Holland's North American Free Picks for Aug. 12

Saratoga

Race 5

Todd Pletcher wins with 30% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days and saddles #7 Gunman (6-1), who has not been seen since finishing third in an even effort in his debut over 6 furlongs at Belmont in October. Son of War Front is out of a mare by Street Sense and has been working well for Pletcher, who has won with 33% of his runners so far at this meet. Gelding can be in good position throughout with Velazquez aboard.

Delaware Park

Race 3

Maidens going 6 furlongs include #5 Peach Keen (6-1), a debuting son of Will Take Charge who is a half-brother to four winners. Chestnut cost $325K as a yearling and has been working forwardly for trainer Delacour, who wins with 15% of his first-time starters. Colt is likely ready for a good first outing with meet’s leading rider, Cedeno taking the mount.

Indiana Grand

Race 7

A competitive field for the Indiana Grand S. includes #4 Nasty (8-1), an improving daughter of Street Sense who will make her stakes debut. Filly has won both of her starts on this turf and trainer Cox has won with 30% of his runners at this meet. #8 Outburst (10-1) gave way to finish unplaced in the Tepin S. at this distance at Churchill in her latest in May, but led from the start to win the Florida Oaks (G3) at Tampa two back. Trainer Kenneally wins with 16% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days and filly can be near the front early with Albarado up.

Race 8

#3 Andesite (15-1) may have needed his latest when fourth in an even effort at Keeneland last month being his first start since finishing unplaced in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) in November. Son of The Factor finished a close second to winner of that event in the Pilgrim (G3) in September and trainer Cox wins with 27% of his runners second off a layoff. Gray can be running from just off the pace with Prescott in the saddle.

Presque Isle

Race 6

Trainer Hamm wins with 15% of his first-time starters and saddles #8 Independence Law (9-2), a debuting son of excellent young sire Constitution. Dark bay has been working well and can win at first asking with Hernandez aboard.