Holland's North America Racing Picks for June 4

Tim has picks for Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, and Thistledown on Thursday.

Churchill Downs

Race 2

#4 Delp (5-1) comes off a closing third-place finish at this level and distance at Oaklawn in April in his first start since being claimed by Tom Amoss. Son of Include has won 1-of-8 career starts and Amoss wins with 39% of his runners second off the claim. Gelding can be along from off the pace under Graham, who has won with two of his last 10 rides for the barn.

Race 7

Trainer Colebrook wins with 15% of his runners second time off a layoff and saddles #10 Sea of Hope (7-2), who may have needed his latest when third in his first outing in more than a year. Son of Quality Road has a record of 4-1-1-1 on grass and Colebrook has won with two of his first 11 runners at this meet. 4-year-old can be in good early position with Lanerie remaining aboard.

Race 9

Maidens going 7-furlongs include #7 Kid Shelleen (5-1), who debuts for 19% first-out trainer Cox. Son of 12% debut sire Cairo Prince is a half-brother to four winners and has been working well at Keeneland for Cox, who wins with 28% of his runners overall in maiden claiming events. Gray appears ready for a good first outing with Gaffalione in the saddle.

Belmont Park

Race 2

Steve Asmussen wins with 18% of his first-time starters and saddles #6 Wardenofthenorth (10-1), a debuting son of Posse. Gelding cost $80K as a yearling and has been working forwardly. Dark bay looks live with Irad Ortiz taking the mount.

Race 5

#8 Devant (10-1) gets extra distance off a closing fifth-place finish at Churchill last month. She was making her first start after a short break last time, and the chestnut won the Prix Miesque (G3) as a juvenile in France before joining trainer Motion, who wins with 17% of his runners second off a layoff and with 15% of his starters on grass. Daughter of decent European sire Showcasing can be running from off the pace with Jose Ortiz up.

Race 6

Newcomer, #10 Moniques Daredevil (8-1) has a good win early pedigree being by 15% debut sire Daredevil, who is out of a mare by Tiz Wonderful (18% win with debuters). Chestnut is a half-sister to one winner and trainer Rice wins with 19% of her runners making their debut in maiden claiming events. Tabbing the chestnut to win at first asking with Lezcano.

Race 9

A competitive field for the Tiller S. includes #1 Standard Deviation (4-1), who has not been seen since finishing a good second in Qatar in February, his first outing for trainer Motion. Son of Curlin closed to finish third in the Hollywood Derby (G1) over 9-furlongs two back and has been working well. Motion wins with 20% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days, and 4-year-old has a record of 6-2-1-2 on grass. He can be along from off the pace under Velazquez, who has won with four of his last six rides for the barn.

Thistledown

Race 3

#9 Trapshot (9-2), who was a touch unlucky when making his second start at Mahoning Valley in late-January last time out. Son of Trappe Shot is a half-brother to three winners and makes his first outing for trainer Radosevich, who wins with 23% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days. Gelding will be running from off the pace with Bracho.