Holland's North America Racing Picks for May 22

by Tim Holland

Churchill Downs

Race 4

A couple of newcomers catch the eye in this low-level maiden. Trainer Ward wins with 29% of his first-time starters and saddles #6 Spelling Bee (9-2), a debuting son of 11% first-out sire Flashback. Gray has been working forwardly at Keeneland and is likely ready for a good first outing under Corrales, who has won with one of his last two rides for the barn. #11 Taino House (5-1) has a good win-early pedigree being by 12% debut sire Bahamian Squall and out of a mare by Tale of the Cat, whose offspring win 15% of their first outings. Gelding has not posted any recent works but trainer Stall wins with 20% of his first-time starters and 3-year-old gets Mena in the saddle.

Race 5

Trainer Scott Becker wins with 31% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days and saddles #8 Jets a Ginnin (6-1), who has not been seen since leading from the start to win at Fairmount in March. Daughter of Bellamy Road has won five of eight career starts on regular dirt for Becker who has won with 11% of his starters this year. 5-year-old figures to be sent early with Rocco riding.

Race 9

A competitive allowance on grass includes #1 Summering (9-2), who has not raced since winning at Tampa in early April. Trainer Proctor wins with 18% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days and daughter of excellent turf sire War Front is out of Wishing Gate, who won the San Clemente (G2). Recent works include a sharp 5-furlong move in :59 4/5 at Tampa and filly can be in good early position with Talamo in the irons.

Gulfstream Park

Race 5

#8 Sundown Kid (12-1) hit the board in one of three previous starts on dirt and has not been seen since finishing third over 5 furlongs on grass at this level at Gulfstream West last October. Trainer Allen Maragh failed to win with last two runners that had not raced for 90+ days but son of speedy sire Khozan posted a good 4-furlong move in :47 five days ago. Maragh won with one of his first five starters this year and dark bay can be forwardly placed throughout with Rajiv Maragh up.

Race 9

Trainer Gargan wins with a solid 27% of runners that have not raced for 90+ days and saddles #4 Jay’s Way (10-1), who was last seen when eased after a slow start in the Sunshine Millions Classic over 9 furlongs here in January. Dark bay has a record of 9-2-2-1 on this oval and has been working forwardly for his first outing for Gargan, who has won with 32% of his runners this meet. 7-year-old holds an experience edge over many in here and figures to be sent early with Vasquez in the irons.

Tampa Bay Downs

Race 5

#6 Be Nimble (5-1) comes off a third-place finish on the main track three weeks ago in her first start for trainer Hamm and first outing since last October. Daughter of The Factor finished third in the Ta Wee at Indiana last year and Hamm wins with 12% of his runners second off a layoff and has won with 14% of his starters this year. Filly worked 3 furlongs in a quick :36 2/5 nine days ago and can be forwardly placed from the start under Santos, who has won with two of his last six rides for the barn.

Lone Star Park

Race 8

Sprinters on turf include #6 You Should Talk (30-1), who finished third in the El Joven in his one previous try on grass. Son of Mr Speaker has won two of 10 career starts and worked 5 furlongs in 1:01 3/5 six days ago for trainer Stroope, who wins with 17% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days. 3-year-old should find a solid pace to close into with Risenhoover riding.

Santa Anita Park

Race 1

Trainer Mendez wins with 17% of his first-time starters and sends out #3 Tripp a Matic (3-1), who has a good win-early pedigree being by Smiling Tiger and out of a mare by Pentelicus. Gelding is a half-brother to 11 winners and has been working well for Mendez, who won with his first runner at this meet. Bay appears ready for a good outing under Fuentes, who was aboard for the barn’s recent winner here.

Golden Gate Fields

Race 4

Maidens going 6 furlongs include #4 Flying Home (8-1), a debuting daughter of 13% first-out sire Drosselmeyer and out of a mare by Old Topper, whose offspring with 15% of their first outings. Filly is a half-sister to one winner, and trainer Mathis wins with 18% of his maiden claimers and won with two of his first eight runners at this meet. 4-year-old can win at first asking with Pena riding.

Ruidoso

Race 2

Trainer Eddie Willis was the leading trainer at the recently concluded Remington meet and saddles #7 Bv Georgy Girl (3-1). One of few with racing experience was impressive winning her debut at Remington last month and Baca retains the mount. Remington’s leading rider James Flores will ride #2 Tlc Apache Heart (15-1) and newcomer deserves a look breaking from near the inside.

Race 13

#3 Dangerous Cartel (2-1) holds an experience edge here coming off a narrow loss at Remington last month in his third outing. Son of Coronado Cartel can be in front from the start with 24% rider Flores in the irons. Trainer Wood won with 20% of his runners at Remington and saddles #8 Babyitshotoutside (8-1) for his debut. Gelding may provide value under Ramirez, who wound up third in the recent Remington jockey standings.

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