Holland's North American free racing picks for Aug. 16

Saratoga

Race 5

Lack of early pace may help chances of a front runner, which may be #2 Midnight Tea Time (5-1), who comes off a fifth-place finish over 1 1/16 miles last month in his second start after a 4-month break. Son of Midnight Lute hit the board in two of three previous starts at this distance and finished a good fourth in the Fair Grounds (G3) earlier this year for trainer Sharp, who wins with 24% of his runners third time off a layoff. Gelding may be sent with Saez in the irons.

Race 9

A competitive field for the Saratoga Oaks includes #6 Ricetta (9-2), who makes her first start for trainer Mott off a third-place finish in the Musidora (G3) at York last month. Daughter of Camelot is out of a half-sister to multiple Group-1 winner and leading sire Kingman, and won two of her three starts in England. Filly has shown some tactical speed and can be in good position throughout with Castellano riding.

Ellis Park

Race 1

Trainer Shirer won with one of his last nine first-time starters and saddles #6 Rodeo Queen (8-1), a debuting daughter of 12% first-out sire Wagon Limit, who is out of House Party, winner of the Prioress (G1). Chestnut worked 4 furlongs in a solid :48 1/5 from the gate four days ago for Shirer, who has won with 26% of his runners since the beginning of the year. Filly may be ready for a good first out with Hernandez aboard.

Gulfstream Park

Race 4

Maidens sprinting on turf include #5 Majic Flash (15-1), who debuts for trainer Gaffney who won with one of her last two newcomers. $55K 2-year-old purchase has been working well and has a good-win early pedigree being by Munnings and out of a mare by Tapit. Chestnut is worth a look at likely good odds with Rodriguez up.

Monmouth Park

Race 1

Trainer Delacour wins with 30% of his second-time starters and saddles #2 Curly Ruth (9-2), who comes off a closing second-place finish over the course and distance in her debut last month. Daughter of Curlin is out of Del Mar Oaks (G1) winner Rutherienne and Delacour has won with 15% of his starters this year. Dark bay can be along from off the pace with Gallardo riding.

Del Mar

Race 10

#9 Ms Peintour (10-1) has not been seen since proving her affinity for longer distances when winning the Astra (G3) over 12 furlongs at Santa Anita in January. Daughter of Paynter has been working well since her last outing for trainer Koriner, who wins with 18% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days. Mare has tactical speed and can be in good position throughout with Blanc retaining the mount.