Holland's North America Racing Picks for June 27

Churchill Downs

Race 11

Trainer Motion has won with 26% of his runners at this meet and saddles #5 Crystal Cliffs (3-1), who rallied from off the pace to win an allowance over the course and distance last month in her first start since winning in France in December. Daughter of Canford Cliffs is from a solid European turf family and Motion wins with 14% of his runners in graded stakes. 3-year-old can be in good position throughout under Velazquez, who has won with five of his last 11 rides for the barn.

Belmont Park

Race 8

#7 Mean Mary (7-2) made it three wins in a row when leading from the start to win the Orchid (G3) over 11 furlongs in her latest at Gulfstream in March. Daughter of Scat Daddy has been working well for Graham Motion, who wins with 19% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days. Dark bay is likely to be in front early and tough to catch again with Saez retaining the mount.

Thistledown

Race 8

A competitive field for the Ohio Derby (G3) includes #6 Sprawl (15-1), an improving son of City Zip, who rallied from off the pace to win his latest at Churchill last month in his first start since March. Chestnut is out of a half-sister to good sires Congrats and Flatter, and trainer Mott wins with 17% of his runners second off a layoff. 3-year-old should find a solid pace to close into with Lopez in to ride.

Delaware Park

Race 2

Trainer Gonzalez wins with a high 30% of his first-time starters and saddles #2 Award Wanted (8-1), a debuting daughter of 13% first-out sire Macho Uno, who is a half-sister to one winner. Works include a good 4-furlong move in :48 2/5 from the gate eight days ago for Gonzalez, who has won with 25% of his runners since the beginning of the year. #6 Rica Chica (12-1) debuts for trainer Capuano, who wins with 28% of his first-timers. Daughter of 12% debut sire Orientate has been working well and is also likely ready for a good outing with apprentice Whisman riding.

Woodbine

Race 6

#9 Neptune’s Pearl (10-1) debuts for trainer Day Phillips, who wins with 16% of her first-time starters. Daughter of 10% first-out sire The Factor worked 4 furlongs in :48 from the gate a week ago for Day Phillips, who wins with 17% of her starters overall in maiden special weight events. $145K 2-year-old purchase can win at first asking under Wilson, who has won with one of her last 11 rides for the barn.

Lone Star Park

Race 9

Trainer Rossi won with two of his last 14 runners second off a layoff and saddles #9 Scattered Mist (10-1), who likely needed her latest when fading to finish sixth over 5 furlongs this month being her first outing in over a year. Rossi has won with one of his first eight runners at this meet, and daughter of Scat Daddy can be on or near the early lead with Luzzi retaining the mount.

Ruidoso Downs

Race 8

#5 Laugharoo (10-1) has not been seen since finishing a close second after being involved from the start at this distance at Sunland in February. Chestnut has been working well for trainer Barton, who wins with 14% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days and who has won with 15% of his starters this year. Filly may be the one to catch with Fuentes in the irons.