Holland's North American free racing picks for Aug. 23

Saratoga

Race 7

#6 Pete’s Play Call (5-1) was claimed by John Toscano when rallying from just off the pace to win his latest here in late July. Toscano wins with 8% of his runners first time off the claim and son of Munnings is unbeaten in three starts on this oval. Chestnut can be on or near the lead from the start with Saez in the irons.

Ellis Park

Race 3

Maidens on the main track include #1 Monte Ne (8-1), who made belated progress after a slow start when sixth in his debut over 5 1/2 furlongs on grass here late last month. Son of Bayern is a half-brother to three winners and posted a solid 5-furlong work in 1:01 4/5 a week ago for trainer VanMeter, who wins with 9% of his second-time starters. Gelding cost $300K as a yearling and can show more here under Lanerie, who has won with one of his last two rides for the barn.

Woodbine

Race 7

Trainer Motion wins with 18% of his runners in non-graded stakes and saddles #3 Alda (3-1), who rallied from off the pace to break her maiden at Belmont in her latest last month. Daughter of Munnings is a half-sister to Alignement, who won the Prix Dollar (G2), and Motion has won with 15% of his runners since the beginning of the year. Filly can be forwardly placed throughout with Bahen riding.

Race 9

Lasix and blinkers are added to #11 Sting to Win (20-1), who showed little when unplaced in her debut over 6 furlongs on the main track last month. Trainer Doyle wins with 13% of his runners first time on grass and daughter of English Channel is out of Perfect Sting, who won the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1). 3-year-old has worked well since her first outing and can show improvement with Moran remaining aboard.

Del Mar

Race 5

#5 Sicilia (8-1) made some progress when fifth in her latest over the course and distance last month in her first outing for trainer Drysdale and first since finishing third at Chantilly in November. Daughter of excellent young turf sire Kingman finished third in the Prix du Calvados (G2) as a juvenile and Drysdale wins with 13% of his runners second off a layoff. Dark bay can be along from off the pace with Van Dyke again in the saddle.

Prairie Meadows

Race 7

Trainer McFarlane wins with 19% of his first-time starters and saddles #8 Bull Hollow (5-1), a debuting son of 16% first-out sire Bayern, who is a half-brother to nine winners. Works include a sharp 4-furlong move in :47 1/5 from the gate nine days ago and McFarlane has won with 17% of his runners since the beginning of this year. Colt can win at first asking under Gonzalez, who has won with one of his last six rides for the barn.