Holland's North America Racing Picks for May 28

Editor's Note: Tim Holland still holds onto a slight profit after 495 races at 98 winners (20%). At 5-1 odds or higher, Tim's profit rate is now 27%.

by Tim Holland

Churchill

Race 4

#6 Rayo de Luz (8-1) was last seen making some belated progress after a slow start at Turfway in mid-March in his first start for trainer Colebrook. Son of Shackleford is a half-brother to one winner and posted a sharp 4-furlong work in :47 at Keeneland this month for Colebrook, who wins with 16% of his maiden claimers. Gelding can be along from off the pace under Lanerie, who has won with one of his last five rides for the barn.

Race 5

Trainer Combs wins with 17% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days and saddles #6 Yes I’m Evil (6-1), who has not been seen since finishing third at Fair Grounds in an even effort in mid-March. Daughter of Yes It’s True has a record of 17-6-3-3 at this distance and Combs won with one of his first two runners at this meet. Mare has worked well since her latest and can be in good position throughout with Morales retaining the mount.

Race 6

Claimers on turf include #6 Exulting (7-2), who was claimed by John Sadler when unplaced on a sloppy surface at Oaklawn in his latest last month. Sadler wins with 14% of his runners first time off the claim and son of Tapit was competitive facing better in previous starts on turf. Dark bay appears to be the class of the field and can be along late under Rosario, who has won with two of his last nine mounts for Sadler.

Race 9

#1 Play On (4-1) rallied from just off the pace to win the Mardi Gras S. in her latest at Fair Grounds in February. Trainer Cox wins with 21% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days and daughter of good turf sprint sire Country Day has won five of 10 career starts. 4-year-old should find a solid pace to stalk with Bridgmohan remaining aboard.

Gulfstream

Race 2

Ralph Nicks wins with 16% of his first-time starters and saddles #8 Fun Loaded (3-1), a debuting son of 10% first out sire Uncaptured, who is a half-brother to one winner. Gray posted a decent 4-furlong work in :49 3/5 from the gate this month for Nicks, who wins with 20% of his runners overall in maiden claiming events and who has won with 14% of his starters at this meet. $25K yearling purchase appears to be ready to win at first asking under Jaramillo, who has won with 24% of his rides for the barn in the past two months.

Race 4

#11 Auburn (6-1) makes her first outing for trainer Gonzalez and has not been seen since finishing unplaced facing better on grass here last August. Daughter of Brethren finished fourth in all three previous starts on this main track and has worked forwardly for Gonzalez, who wins with 19% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days. Filly can be along from off the pace with Camacho taking the mount.

Race 5

Maidens on turf include #4 Art of Law (15-1), who has not been seen since showing little in her debut at this distance at Churchill in September. Daughter of excellent young sire Constitution is from a good female family and gets Lasix added for her first start for trainer Casse, who wins with 16% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days. Dark bay could show more here with Zayas in the saddle.

Race 6

#8 Karen’s Cove (2-1) rallied from just off the pace to win at this level in his latest here in April, from which race the second and third place finishers both won next time out. Trainer Walder wins with 15% of his runners that won their latest start and gelding has a record of 12-3-3-2 on this oval. Son of Tale of the Cat can be in good position throughout with apprentice Torres riding.

Race 9

Trainer Clement wins with 25% of his maiden claimers and saddles #8 No No Nina (8-5), who closed to finish second after a slow start over the course and distance at this level three weeks ago. Clement wins with 19% of his runners on grass and daughter of More Than Ready can be along from just off the pace with Camacho in the irons.