Del Mar’s Saturday finale always delivers an exciting horse racing lineup, and today is no different. Three significant stakes races are scheduled for both participants and bettors on the turf course.
The Grand Prix Stakes Committee will convene soon, but one thing is certain: the Hollywood Derby’s Grade 1 status remains secure, and this year’s contenders only strengthen its reputation. The race’s history of winners, including notable turf horses and the 2014 Kentucky Derby champion California Chrome, highlights its enduring allure.
As usual, Southern California-based runners will dominate, but a group of four contenders arriving from other locations are expected to heavily influence the race’s outcome. For those wagering on Southern California races, our partners at AmWager offer a 100% deposit match up to $150 for new customers.
G1 Hollywood Derby. 1 ⅛ miles, turf. 3-year-olds. $300,000 purse.
Maatu (5/1), ridden by Ricardo Gonzalez and trained by Michael McCarthy, hails from a competitive stable and performed well in the Grade 2 Twilight Derby at Santa Anita. While not the fastest in this group, McCarthy’s skill could see Maatu place well.
Comment: Tier two contender.Friendly Range (6/1), with jockey Hector Berrios and trainer Richard Baltas, has had four starts this year with three consecutive wins after breaking his maiden. He recently finished second in the Let It Ride turf stakes at a mile, but the extended distance today raises some doubts.
Comment: Tier two contender.Test Scores (5/2), ridden by Juan Hernandez and trained by Graham Motion, is the favorite due to winning three major stakes races this year at different venues, including a Grade 1 at Saratoga. Hernandez, who also won this race last year with Speaking Scout, adds confidence.
Comment: Likely winner.Salamis (9/2), with Umberto Rispoli aboard and Chad Brown training, is part of Brown’s turf campaign aiming for success across major tracks this weekend. Originating from Long Island, Salamis is among the top contenders in this group and should be strong in the trifecta.
Comment: Solid contender.Coconut (20/1), guided by Armando Ayuso and trained by John Sadler, competes as a maiden but has shown strong turf performances and narrowly missed recently. This horse could provide an upset.
Comment: Long shot.Cup (20/1), ridden by Kazushi Kimura and trained by Michael McCarthy, switched from dirt to turf mid-career and has won on grass at Churchill Downs. Although uncertain, this entry could be a fun outsider bet.
Comment: Toss-up.Tempus Volat (5/1), with Mirco DeMuro as jockey and Leonard Powell training, recently won the Let It Ride race. DeMuro’s rising star status and the horse’s breeding suggest it might excel over longer distances, making it a strong contender.
Comment: Tier two contender.Tom’s Magic (7/2), ridden by Antonio Fres and trained by Michael Stidham, is a Canadian-bred contender, having nearly won the $1 million King’s Plate and securing victories this season, making him a wildcard who will need to reach peak form.
Comment: Tier two contender.
Sports Tribune Betting Picks:
$10 Late Pick 3 ($60): 3,4,8 / 7 / 4,11. Good luck!
Fan Take: This year’s Hollywood Derby lineup epitomizes the blend of top local talent and impressive out-of-town challengers, highlighting the event’s growing prestige. For horse racing fans, it promises thrilling competition and could further elevate the sport’s visibility and excitement on the West Coast.
