Holland’s North America Racing Picks for June 14

Tim focuses primarily upon Churchill Downs and Belmont Park Sunday, but he also has a spot play for Woodbine.

Churchill Downs

Race 5

#8 Chaos Theory (2-1) narrowly missed when second in the Colonel Power S. at Fair Grounds in his latest in mid-February. Son of Curlin has a record of 7-3-1-1 on grass and finished a good third in the Turf Sprint (G2) two back over the course. Trainer Walsh wins with 21% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days, and gelding should find a decent pace to close into with Gaffalione riding.

Race 8

Fillies on turf include #8 Mintd (6-1), who rallied from off the pace to win at Tampa in early-March in her first North American start for trainer Walsh. Four-year-old was making her first start since finishing second in Ireland as a juvenile, a race won by Land Force, who won the Richmond (G2) in his next outing. Filly has been working well and the presence of two runners from the Chad Brown barn should ensure some value.

Race 10

Another runner from the Walsh barn, #3 Born Great (8-1), is a debuting son of Scat Daddy. A half-brother to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2) winner Four Wheel Drive, the gelding has been working well and rider Santana has won with two of his last four rides for this stable.

Belmont Park

Race 3

Trainer McGaughey is off to a fast start this meet and wins with 15% of his runners that broke their maiden last time out. The Hall of Famer saddles #7 Stolen Holiday (3-1), who led from the start to win her debut at Tampa at this distance in April. Daughter of excellent turf sire War Front is a half-sister to three Grade 1 winners including Belmont Oaks (G1) scorer Minorette, and the bay has been working well. She can be in good position throughout with Jose Ortiz up.

Race 4

#1 More Mango (7-2) made progress from off the pace when fifth in a maiden special weight event in her debut at this distance at Tampa in early-March. Daughter of More Than Ready is out of Mango Diva, who won with Kilboy Estate (G2) in Ireland and has been working well for trainer Thomas, who wins with 37% of his second time starters. Filly can be along from off the pace with Castellano taking the mount.

Race 7

Maidens going 6-furlongs on grass include #5 Jack of Clubs (5-1), who makes his turf debut and who has not been seen since finishing second on the main track at Aqueduct in November. Trainer Danner wins with 13% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days and son of Curlin is out of a half-sister to Spoken Fur, winner of the Mother Goose (G1). Gray posted a sharp 4-furlong work in :47 4/5 this month and can be on or near the early lead with Velazquez in the saddle.

Woodbine

Race 9

Lasix is added to #4 Malibu Mambo (9-2), who has not been seen since closing to narrowly miss when second in the Coronation Futurity over 9-furlongs here in November. Dark bay won his one previous start at this distance and has been working forwardly for trainer Attard, who wins with 12% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days. Son of Point of Entry can be along from off the pace under Contreras, who has won with one of his last four rides for the barn.