Holland's North American free racing picks for Aug. 17

Handicapper Tim Holland has been breaking pretty even the last few weeks, but still providing profit for odds at 5-1 or better. From 975 races Tim has 179 wins (18%) for a slight loss (-1%) overall, but still a profit of 23.5% at odds of 5-1 or higher. 

For Monday, Tim looks at Indiana Grand, Presque Isle Downs, Thistledown and Canterbury Park.

Indiana Grand

Race 5

Sprinters on grass include #3 Plainfield (8-1), who narrowly missed when second after making a move to the lead over one mile at Indiana last month in his second start of the year. Son of Flatter hit the board in three of four previous starts on this turf and trainer Langemeier won with one of his last six runners third off a layoff. Gelding can be along from off what should be a decent pace with Bowen riding.

Presque Isle Downs

Race 5

#4 Glenwood (15-1) rallied from just off the pace to win his latest over the track and distance late last month and has a record of 5-2-1-0 lifetime on all-weather tracks. Gelding finished a good second in the Forego S. on the Polytrack at Turfway earlier this year for trainer Faulkner, who has won with 12% of his runners this year. Son of Paynter can be stalking the early pace under Villa-Gomez.

Thistledown

Race 3

#7 Kendalin (9-2) made some mild progress when a well-beaten third in her debut over 5 1/2 furlongs early last month. Trainer Cowans wins with 22% of his second-time starters and has won with 42% of his runners at this meet. Daughter of Distorted Humor cost $130K as a yearling and can show improvement under Machado, who has won with six of his last 10 rides for the barn.

Canterbury Park

Race 1

Trainer Robertson wins with 20% of his first-time starters and saddles two newcomers here including #2 Scent of Success (5-1), a daughter of promising freshman sire Not This Time, who is a half-sister to five winners. Filly cost $72K as a yearling and has been working well for Robertson, who has won with 17% of his runners this meet. #6 Pretti Ta Kela (9-2) is by Kela, whose offspring win 16% of their first outings and is a half-sister to three winners. Chestnut has also posted some good works and can be a factor with Mawing in the saddle.