Holland's North American free racing picks for Aug. 22

Saratoga

Race 9

An excellent field for the Fourstardave H. (G1) includes #5 Halladay (4-1), who will try Grade 1 company for the first time. Son of War Front rated from just off the pace before flattening out to finish fourth in the Bernard Baruch (G2) over 1 1/16 miles in his latest here last month but is most effective when sent to the early lead. Colt has a record of 3-1-1-1 at this distance and can be the one to catch with Saez in the saddle.

Arlington

Race 4

#6 Mr. Tip (6-1) will try sprinting on turf for the first time off a fading fifth-place finish on the main track over 6 furlongs at Indiana last month. Son of Mr Speaker finished third over a mile in one previous start on grass and posted a sharp 4-furlong work in :47 4/5 a week ago for trainer Sisterson, who won with one of his two recent runners shipping to this track. Dark bay can be running from off the pace under Emigh, who was aboard for the barn’s recent winner here.

Ellis Park

Race 7

Maidens on turf include #3 Conoloway (10-1), a debuting daughter of More Than Ready, who is out of a full sister to Shadow Cast, winner of the Personal Ensign (G1). Filly has been working well for trainer Flint, who wins with 14% of his first-time starters and who has won with 16% of his runners this year. #5 Orencia (6-1) comes off a fading fifth-place finish on the main track in her debut last month. 3-year-old should improve on this surface being by Blame and out of a daughter of Pratella, winner of the Cardinal (G3), and trainer Walsh wins with 13% of his runners first time on turf.

Monmouth

Race 2

#5 Ego Man (7-2) has been gelded since fading to finish fifth after dueling for the early lead on the main track at Delaware in June and will try grass for the first time. Bay has a good pedigree for turf being by Constitution and out of a mare by Freud and trainer Duarte wins with 19% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days. $130K 2-year-old purchase may be the one to catch with Bravo in the irons.

Woodbine

Race 6

Trainer Casse wins with 16% of his first-time starters and saddles #11 Lady Petrol (6-1), a debuting daughter of good European sprint sire Cable Bay, who comes from an excellent turf family. $411K yearling purchase has been working well and Casse has won with 16% of his runners at this meet. Filly is likely ready to win at first asking with Husbands riding.

Del Mar

Race 5

#4 Comradery (15-1) flattened out to finish third over 1 1/16 miles in his latest after making some progress here last month in his first North American start for John Sadler. Son of Camacho has worked well since his latest for Sadler, who wins with 20% of his runners second off a layoff and who has won with 16% of his starters at this meet. Bay can be in good position throughout with Hernandez remaining aboard.

Race 9

A solid field for the Del Mar Oaks (G1) includes #5 Aqua Seaform Shame (12-1), who tries a route distance for the first time off an easy allowance score over 5 furlongs here last month. Daughter of 14% grass sire Kantharos defeated classy runners Venetian Harbor and Speech two starts back and trainer Balthas has won with 18% of his runners this year. Filly gets a test here but can be forwardly placed early with Fuentes retaining the mount.