Holland's North America Race Picks for June 16

Tim Holland provides free expert picks for Indiana Grand, Canterbury Park, Lone Star Park and Thistledown today.

Indiana Grand

Race 7

Fillies going a mile on grass include #8 Spun Easy (9-2), who was prominent from the start when winning at this distance on Churchill's main track last month, her second start following a near five-month break. Trainer Ewing has won with 17% of her runners since the beginning of the year and daughter of 13% turf sire Hard Spun finished a close second in a previous turf start. Filly can be forwardly placed early with Baze remaining aboard.

Lone Star Park

Race 3

A couple of first-time starters catch the eye headed by #2 Best Year Yet (20-1), who debuts for Bret Calhoun. Barn wins at 21% in maiden claiming races, and colt is by 18% first-out sire New Year’s Day and appears ready to fire based on works. Trainer Diodoro wins with 16% of his first-timers and saddles #10 Dreadnaught (15-1), a son of 16% debut sire Midshipman. Chestnut may be ready for a good first outing under Hamilton, who has won twice in his last 12 rides for this barn.

Thistledown

Race 4

Trainer Wolochuk, who has won with two of his last four first-time starters, saddles #5 Luv Luyes (7-2), a newcomer by 12% debut sire Warrior’s Reward. Works include a solid 5-furlong move in 1:01 4/5 here nine days ago. This barn is firing on all cylinders, winning nine of the last 18 starts, and youngster appears ready for a good effort with Mejias in the irons.

Canterbury Park

Race 3

#2 War Veteran (5-2) tries grass for the first time off a second-place finish over a mile at Oaklawn in April, his first start since being claimed by Robertino Diodoro. Dark bay should take to the surface, being a half-brother to a pair of turf winners, and Diodoro wins with 23% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days. 4-year-old has tactical speed and can be in good position throughout under Arrieta, who has won one of his last three rides for this barn.

Race 7

Trainer Rivelli wins with 28% of his runners third time off a layoff and saddles #8 Louie’s Kingdom (4-1), who drew off to defeat easier at this distance at Gulfstream by nearly nine lengths last month, his second start after a short break. Gelding has won 2-of-4 on dirt, and bay figures to be the one to catch with Loveberry riding.