Holland's North America Racing Picks for June 1

Editor's Note: After 543 races, Tim has tallied 109 wins (20%) and still holding on to a small profit. 223 selections at over 5-1 odds have produced a profit of 28%.

by Tim Holland

Laurel Park

Race 1

Trainer Trombetta wins with 14% of his runners making their turf debut and saddles #9 Skip the Smalltalk (5-1), who was not a factor from the inside post in his debut at Parx on the main track in March. Son of Jump Start is a half-brother to Still Having Fun, who won the Woody Stephens (G2), and has been working well for Trombetta, who wins with 16% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days. Gelding can show more here with McCarthy in the saddle.

Race 7

#6 Maryland Mo (6-1) lost chances when green in his debut as the favorite over a mile on the main track here in early October. Son of 15% grass sire Uncle Mo is a half-brother to four winners on turf and trainer Motion wins with 19% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days and with 19% of his second-time starters. Bay can be forwardly placed from the start with McCarthy up.

Tampa Bay Downs

Race 5

Claimers going 7 furlongs include #6 Animal Trick (7-2), who faded to finish third after leading early over a mile at Gulfstream in his latest early last month. Gelding won his one previous start at this distance and makes his second outing for trainer Delgado, who has won with 15% of his runners shipping here this meet. 7-year-old can be on or near the early lead with Batista riding.

Race 8

Chad Brown saddles two in his maiden event on turf including #2 Economic Policy (5-2), who closed to finish second in his debut over a mile here in late January. Son of Giant’s Causeway is a half-brother to two winners on turf and Brown wins with 29% of his second-time starters. Dark bay can be along from off the pace with Gallardo retaining the mount.

Lone Star Park

Race 6

#3 Play Unified (5-2) has not been seen since finishing second after leading early at this distance at Fair Grounds in late February. Gray has a record of 16-4-1-3 over 6 furlongs and trainer Faucheux wins with 27% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days. Daughter of Exchange Rate can be in good position throughout with McMahon in the saddle.

Race 9

Trainer Cravens wins with 16% of his first-time starters and saddles #8 Aloha Dreamer (30-1), who is out of a daughter of Carriage Trail, who won the Spinster (G1). $67K yearling purchase by Ghostzapper has been working forwardly for Cravens, who wins with 18% of his runners overall in maiden claiming events. Bay could be ready to win at this low lever under Valdez-Jiminez.

Mountaineer

Race 1

#4 Royal Leige (6-1) has not been seen since being rushed into contention after a slow start when third at this distance on dirt here in his debut in November. 3-year-old should take to turf being by Run Away and Hide and has been working well for trainer Hardin, who won with one of his last six runners that had not raced for 90+ days. Bay can be in the early mix with Parker taking the mount.