Holland's North America Racing Picks for July 16

Saratoga

Race 2

Maidens on turf include #7 Magic Mojo (6-1), who made some progress to finish sixth after a slow start in his debut over 7 furlongs in a maiden special weight event at Belmont last month. Trainer Jerkens wins with 11% of his second time starters and son of Uncle Mo can show more here with Lezcano remaining aboard. #3 Price Talk (10-1) debuts for trainer Jorge Abreu, who wins with 22% of his first-time starters. Son of Kitten’s Joy has been working well and may be ready for a good first outing with Franco up.

Race 7

#6 Ava K’s Girl (12-1) made late progress while wide when fourth over 6 furlongs in her latest at Belmont last month in her first start since September. Daughter of Giant’s Causeway is a full sister to one winner and trainer Nevin wins with 18% of her runners second time off a layoff. Chestnut should appreciate this longer distance with Rosario taking the mount.

Race 9

A competitive field for the Peter Pan (G3) includes #7 Caracaro (6-1), who ships from Florida for trainer Delgado. Son of Uncle Mo has not been seen since easily breaking his maiden over one mile at Gulfstream in January, but has been working well for Delgado, who wins with 18% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days. 3-year-old can be on or near the early lead with Castellano in the saddle.

Delaware Park

Race 5

#10 Waiting for a Star (15-1) likely needed her latest when fifth over 5 1/2 furlongs at Laurel last month being her first outing since September. Trainer DePaz wins with 22% of his runners second off a layoff and daughter of Ghostzapper has won one of two previous starts at this distance. Chestnut can be forwardly placed from the start with Rosardo riding.

Race 8

Trainer Ritchey has won with five of his last nine first-time starters and saddles #1 Fine N Dandy (6-1), a debuting son of 12% first-out sire Palace Malice. Rail post is not ideal for a newcomer but gelding has been working well and Ritchey won with all of his first four runners this meet. Dark bay appears ready for a good first outing under Cedeno, who won with her latest ride for the barn.

Woodbine

Race 2

#4 Soexotic (6-1) comes off an easy win over softer on the main track last month in her first outing in nearly a year. Chestnut hit the board in one of three previous starts on grass and trainer Cox won with one of her last three claimers that won last time out. 5-year-old may be able to win again with Stein remaining aboard.

Canterbury Park

Race 6

Trainer Scherer has made a good start to this meet and saddles #5 Arresting (8-1), who will try turf for the first time. Filly has a decent pedigree for turf and likely needed her latest when unplaced in the Frances Genter being her first outing since September. Scherer wins with 14% of his runners second off a layoff and filly can be near the front from the start with Felix riding.