Holland's North American free racing picks for Aug. 14

Saratoga

Race 4

#6 Chaleur (6-1) was forwardly placed from the start when narrowly winning her latest over one mile at Belmont last month in her second North American start for Bill Mott. Daughter of excellent European turf sire Dansili has won three of nine career starts on turf, and Mott wins with 17% of his runners in non-graded stakes. The 4-year-old can be on or near the lead from the start with Castellano taking the mount.

Race 5

Maidens sprinting on grass include #10 Golden Oak (15-1), a debuting son of 15% grass sire Goldencents. Gelding cost $80K as a yearling and has been working well for trainer Hendriks, who wins with 19% of his runners on turf. Dark bay appears ready for a good first outing with Carmouche in the saddle.

Ellis Park

Race 3

A couple of second-time starters making their first starts on turf catch the eye. #3 Brunella (15-1) may have lost chances when fourth after breaking through the gate pre-race in her debut at Belterra last month. Filly should take to grass being by Munnings and out of a mare by Medaglia d’Oro, and trainer Denzik won with one of his last nine runners first time on turf. #7 Sofine Samantha (12-1) was not a threat when unplaced after a slow start in her debut over one mile on the main track last month. Trainer Lyster wins with 21% of his second-time starters and daughter of 15% turf sire Blame is a half-sister to three winners.

Laurel Park

Race 4

Trainer Duarte wins with 26% of his runners second off a layoff and saddles #5 Compound It (4-1), who was caught late after leading from the start when second at Delaware last month in his first start since October. Son of Super Saver has won one of his two previous starts on this oval and Duarte has won with two of 10 runners at this meet. Colt should be tough to catch under Toledo, who has won with three of his last 11 rides for the barn.

Del Mar

Race 1

#9 Norma’s Love (8-1) makes her first start for trainer Miller and has not been seen since finishing a close second at Tampa in late February. Miller excels with his sprinters on grass and wins with 15% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days. Daughter of fine turf sprint sire Street Boss has been working well and can be in good position throughout with Blanc riding.