Frustration might end for Dicey Mo Chara in Hollywood Turf Cup

Dicey Mo Chara has had a consistent pattern in graded stakes on turf in California this year. He races from off the pace for the first mile, takes a prominent position in the stretch, and loses. The trend may end with a victory in Friday’s Grade 2 Hollywood Turf Cup at 1 1/2 miles at Del Mar.

Favorable elements are in place for Dicey Mo Chara. He should have no problem with the distance, has a rival to follow in likely pacesetter Go On, and faces a field that is not particularly deep. Only Dean Martini has won a stakes in the United States, the Grade 3 Ohio Derby at Thistledown in 2020.

Dicey Mo Chara’s late-running style has led to tough defeats in his last two starts, a third by a half-length in the Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap at 1 3/8 miles on the turf Sept. 3, and a neck loss when second in the Grade 2 John Henry Turf Championship at 1 1/4 miles on Oct. 1 at Santa Anita.

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Earlier this year, Dicey Mo Chara was second by a half-length in the Grade 3 San Luis Rey Stakes at Santa Anita, his most recent start at 1 1/2 miles on turf.

“He always runs a good race,” trainer Leonard Powell said. “He shows up every time. He needs to be lucky. Friday could be the day.”

Owned by Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal, Dicey Mo Chara will be ridden by Ryan Curatolo, who was aboard the 4-year-old gelding for the first time in the John Henry Turf Championship.

The $250,000 Turf Cup is the first start at 1 1/2 miles on grass for Avenue, Dean Martini, Go On, and Prince Abama.

Avenue was third in the Grade 3 San Juan Capistrano Stakes at about 1 3/4 miles on turf at Santa Anita in June and won an allowance race at 1 3/8 miles on turf at Del Mar in August. Avenue was sixth in a field of seven in the Grade 3 Tokyo City Stakes on Oct. 2 at Santa Anita in his only start on dirt.

Trainer Michael McCarthy said the Turf Cup distance is ideal for Avenue, who has had several sharp workouts in recent weeks at Santa Anita.

“He seems to be in a good rhythm,” McCarthy said.

Prince Abama was third in the Grade 2 City of Hope Mile on turf on Oct. 1 at Santa Anita and second in the restricted Lure Stakes over the same course and distance Oct. 29.

“We always thought he was a horse that wanted to go longer,” trainer Phil D’Amato said. “He was stuck in these middle-distance races by the way the racing calendar came up.

“This is a big step in distance. He doesn’t pull or get too rank. He’s very easy on himself and push-button when you ask him.

“I think I fit in there as big as anyone else.”

D’Amato also starts Cash Equity, who was fourth by 3 1/2 lengths in the John Henry Turf Championship.

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