The gang’s all here, again, for the Grade 2 Hollywood Turf Cup on Friday at Del Mar. The same three who finished first, second, and third in the 2024 Turf Cup return under circumstances likely to produce a different order of finish. Last year, Truly Quality defeated Balnikhov and Nineeleventurbo in the 1 1/2-mile turf race. This year, things have changed. Truly Quality finished off the board in his only two starts this season. Balnikhov was unplaced in five starts after the 2024 Turf Cup, but he scored a sharp allowance win last out. Nineeleventurbo is winless in two years, but his recent wide-trip fourth was better than it looked. The Turf Cup will kick off the Del Mar closing weekend Turf Festival that includes eight stakes, seven on turf. The Del Mar autumn meet ends Sunday. In the meantime, nine older horses are entered in the $200,000 Turf Cup, which is race 7 Friday. :: Access the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past Performances and Picks are available now. In addition to the principals, the field includes likely pacesetter Balladeer, late supplement Flashiest, Rastaman Vibe, Grogu, Reiquist, and Mondego. Truly Quality developed into a top marathon turf horse last year by winning 4 of 8, including three stakes. Trained by Jonathan Thomas and owned by the Augustin Stables of George Strawbridge, Truly Quality entered 2025 as one of the top turf horses in California – but nothing went right for the gelding. “We’ve had what I would call some minor hiccups through the year that have stymied us from training like we’d like, or getting some preparation under his belt,” Thomas said. Truly Quality finished sixth as the even-money favorite in a Grade 3 last winter at Santa Anita and fourth in his most recent start three months ago in a Grade 2. The breaks have not gone his way, nor has his overall workout pattern. “We’re way [behind schedule],” Thomas acknowledged. “Having said that, he’s put up very good works, and the bottom line is he’s a racehorse and he needs to run, even at 90 percent or 85, or whatever he is. He’s happy, he’s moving well.” Mirco Demuro rides Truly Quality. Balnikhov, a four-time stakes winner, dropped into a second-level allowance last out and won by more than two lengths under Umberto Rispoli, who rides him back for trainer Phil D’Amato. If he runs two alike, Balnikhov can win the Turf Cup. :: Subscribe to the DRF Post Time Email Newsletter: Get the news you need to play today's races!  “That’s the thing – if he can run that same race again, he and [Truly Quality] are the two main contenders in there,” D’Amato said. Balnikhov “really likes it down here at Del Mar, and I think the easier competition [in his allowance win] seemed to get his confidence back.” Balnikhov has won eight races and more than $1.1 million from 36 starts. Nineeleventurbo returns to California after finishing fourth in an allowance at Keeneland. He lost by slightly more than five lengths under Joel Rosario, but he actually ran well. Nineeleventurbo broke from post 10 in the mile race. He was three and four wide most of the trip and six wide into the lane. He never had a chance. Neil Drysale trains Nineeleventurbo, an 8-year-old who is reunited with jockey Antonio Fresu for the first time since the 2024 Turf Cup. Balladeer is expected to set the pace in a race devoid of other speed. Yet despite the likelihood of being loose on the lead, Grade 2 winner Balladeer seems to have lost a step at age 6 and has not finished in the money in seven starts over the Del Mar turf. Flashiest, runner-up to Balnikhov last out in that second-level allowance, was supplemented to the Turf Cup. He will rally from behind along with his Leonard Powell-trained stablemate Grogu, who won an entry-level allowance last out. Favorites have won four of the 11 Hollywood Turf Cups held at Del Mar. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.