Jarrod Horak
Using Today’s Racing Digest Fractional Charting
Friday, November 28 • Del Mar • Race 7 • $200,000 • 1½ Miles • Turf
In this horse racing handicapping video and written breakdown, I analyze the Grade 2 Hollywood Turf Cup at Del Mar using Today’s Racing Digest’s Fractional Charting. This tool allows handicappers to project early fractions, mid-race pace, final times, and closing strength—essential information when evaluating marathon turf races at Del Mar.
If you are looking for Del Mar picks or Hollywood Turf Cup picks, this guide offers a complete, data-driven look at every horse in the field.
Hollywood Turf Cup Field
1 – Balladeer, 2 – Flashiest, 3 – Rastaman Vibe, 4 – Nineeeleventurbo, 5 – Grogu, 6 – Reiquist, 7 – Truly Quality, 8 – Balnikhov, 9 – Mondego
The 1½-mile Hollywood Turf Cup demands stamina, a strong finishing kick, and a jockey capable of navigating Del Mar’s tight turns. Fractional Charting is particularly useful here because it identifies which horses are projected to finish fastest—often the key to victory in long-distance turf events.
The Hollywood Turf Cup (race 7) will be held at Del Mar on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Hollywood Turf Cup Video
Hollywood Turf Cup Analysis (Horse-by-Horse)
#1 Balladeer — Likely Lone Speed, But Questionable Stamina
Balladeer is expected to set the early pace, but his long-term form raises concerns. He has not won a race since 2023 and has never finished in the top three at this course-and-distance. Although he should control the pace through the opening half-mile, Fractional Charting suggests he will fade late. He is a pace influence only.
➡ Not a top Hollywood Turf Cup pick.
#2 Flashiest — Deep Closer Needing a Melt-Down
Flashiest is 1-for-11 at Del Mar and has never attempted 1½ miles. He finished 2¼ lengths behind Balnikhov at 1 3/8 miles on Nov. 2. He will try to make one late run, but the projected race shape does not favor deep closers.
➡ Use only underneath in exotics.
#3 Rastaman Vibe — A Del Mar Turf Specialist
Rastaman Vibe is one of the strongest horse-for-course angles in the race. He owns four wins and seven top-three finishes from eight Del Mar turf starts. Trainer Mark Glatt claimed him for $50k on Oct. 24, and Juan Hernandez—who rides him particularly well—stays aboard. His tactical speed is ideal for this distance, and he should sit a perfect trip behind Balladeer.
➡ A key contender in all Del Mar picks.
#4 Nineeeleventurbo — Consistent Marathon Runner
Nineeeleventurbo finished a wide fourth from post 10 in a Keeneland allowance on Oct. 18, but he handles both Del Mar and 1½ miles. He landed the show in this event last year at 12-1 and returns in similar form. He projects to sit midpack and grind home for another solid showing.
➡ Live for the trifecta and superfecta.
#5 Grogu — Tough Spot for a Pace-Challenged Runner
Grogu is 0-for-4 at Del Mar with no trifecta finishes. He exits a strong optional claiming win at Santa Anita, but this Grade 2 field is significantly tougher. His numbers do not match the top contenders, and fractional projections place him well behind the leaders late.
➡ Not recommended for Hollywood Turf Cup selections.
#6 Reiquist — Capable but Outclassed
Reiquist is a two-time Del Mar winner, and his new rider Hector Berrios is a capable turf specialist. However, he is facing stronger company in this Grade 2 event. Fractional Charting shows him holding midpack position without the kick required to beat the top group.
➡ Possible bottom-of-super exotic filler only.
#7 Truly Quality — Last Year’s Winner Returns to Form
Truly Quality captured this race last year during a three-race stakes win streak. He returned in February to finish flat in the San Marcos (G3) but showed significant improvement when rallying for fourth (beaten only a half-length) in the Del Mar Handicap (G2). He removes blinkers here and picks up Mirco Demuro, who is having a strong meet.
Fractional Charting gives him the fastest projected final time (2:26.1) and the second-fastest final four-furlong fraction.
➡ Serious win threat and must-use in Hollywood Turf Cup picks.
#8 Balnikhov — The Top Choice Based on Fractional Charting
Balnikhov is a classy veteran and one of the strongest late kickers on the West Coast turf circuit. He completed the exacta in this race last year and enters this edition off a sharp local optional-claiming win at 1 3/8 miles. Umberto Rispoli, a top turf finisher at Del Mar, stays aboard.
Fractional Charting shows him with the best closing fraction (45.5 seconds) in the entire field. He ranks among the top finishers in final time projections as well, making him the most likely horse to make the decisive late move.
➡ Balnikhov is the top Hollywood Turf Cup pick.
#9 Mondego — Late Runner Who Fits Well
Mondego won a Del Mar optional claimer at 1 3/8 miles in August and followed with solid efforts in both the Del Mar Handicap (G2) and John Henry Turf (G2). Kazushi Kimura rides again, and this pair has already had success together.
Fractional Charting ranks him third-best in the closing 4F, giving him a legitimate chance to hit the board.
➡ A smart inclusion for exactas and tris.
Fractional Charting Summary for the Hollywood Turf Cup
According to Today’s Racing Digest projections:
- Balladeer will lead early but is unlikely to finish strongly.
- Rastaman Vibe, 911 Turbo, and Grogu will sit closest behind him.
- Truly Quality, Balnikhov, and Mondego possess the strongest closing fractions.
- The race likely turns into a late sprint for the wire, favoring Balnikhov.
Final Hollywood Turf Cup Picks
1st — #8 Balnikhov
Best closing kick, strong local form, and ideal Fractional Charting profile.
2nd — #3 Rastaman Vibe
Del Mar turf specialist with a perfect tactical setup.
3rd — #7 Truly Quality
Last year’s winner appears to be rounding back into top form.
4th — #9 Mondego
Reliable closer and fits the projected pace flow.
Suggested Betting Strategy
For players seeking Del Mar betting picks, here is a logical wagering approach:
- Win: #8 Balnikhov
- Exacta: 8 over 3, 7, 9
- Exacta Saver: 3 or 7 over 8
- Trifecta: 8 with 3, 7, 9
- Superfecta: 8 with 3, 7, 9 with 3, 7, 9 with all
This structure maximizes value while anchoring on the strongest finisher.
Where to Get Today’s Racing Digest Tools
Everything used in this handicapping analysis—including fractional projections, pace maps, class ratings, and closing fractions—comes from: