Test Score in search of second Grade 1 in Hollywood Derby

Del Mar's annual fall turf festival kicks off Friday with the Hollywood Turf Cup (G2), but really picks up steam Saturday with a trio of graded stakes headed by the $300,000 Hollywood Derby (G1).

Graham Motion, who saddled Speaking Scout to victory in the 2022 Hollywood Derby, sends out likely favorite Test Score in the nine-furlong renewal. After registering wins earlier this season in the Transylvania (G3) and Belmont Derby (G1), Test Score has remained in California for the past month following a 1 1/2-length tally in the Twilight Derby (G2) in which he sported blinkers for the first time.

Salamis was highly effective winning the Gio Ponti S. at Aqueduct two back, less so when checking in fifth in the Bryan Station (G3) at Keeneland next out. However, trainer Chad Brown has won the Hollywood Derby four times, a record he shared with the late Hall of Famer Charlie Whittingham.

Noble Confessor has but one maiden win to his credit, but has placed three times in graded company, including back-to-back seconds in the Jockey Club Derby (G2) and Hill Prince (G3). Tom's Magic, meanwhile, has a pair of U.S. stakes wins this season, plus a hard-earned triumph in the Breeders' S. at Woodbine, third leg of the Canadian Triple Crown.

The locally based contingent is led by Twilight Derby runner-up Maaz, and Tempus Volat and Friendly Confines, the respective one-two finishers in the restricted Let It Ride S. on Oct. 30.

A potential pace duel between El Potente and Cabo Spirit might set things up for either Almendares or Stay Hot in the $200,000 Seabiscuit H. (G2) for older horses at 1 1/16 miles. Earlier in the card, 11 two-year-old fillies square off in the $100,000 Jimmy Durante (G3) over one mile.