Holland's North American free racing picks for Aug. 27

Tim Holland offers his expert racing picks for this day of racing at Saratoga, Gulfstream, Belterra, and Indiana Grand.

Saratoga

Race 3

Mike Maker wins with 18% of his runners that won last time out and saddles #7 Empire of War (8-1), who closed from off a strong pace to win over one mile at Keeneland in mid-July. Son of Declaration of War is a half-brother to Separationofpowers, who won the Test (G1) and won the Awad S. as a juvenile when trained by Todd Pletcher. 4-year-old had disappointed in first few starts for Maker but showed a return to form in his latest and can be near the front throughout with Gaffalione retaining the mount.

Race 7

#7 Peaceful (5-1) remained unbeaten in two starts on this turf when leading from the start at this distance in her latest last month in her second outing of the year. Trainer Stidham wins with 20% of his runners third off a layoff and with 19% that won last time out. Daughter of Declaration of War figures to be the one to catch again with Gaffalione remaining aboard.

Gulfstream Park

Race 1

Maidens sprinting on grass include #3 Queen Letizia (5-1), who has not been seen since finishing unplaced as the mild favorite on the main track in late May. Dark bay lost chance early in her one previous start on grass but is a half-sister to two winners on turf and trainer Barboza wins with 24% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days. Daughter of speedy sire Khozan can be in the early mix under Torres, who won with his latest ride for the barn.

Race 9

Louie Roussel is having a good meet winning with 24% of his runners, and saddles #7 Broadcast Legend (12-1), who tries maiden claiming company for the first time and who has not been seen since finishing unplaced at Fair Grounds in mid-March in his second outing. Recent works include a 5-furlong move in 1:00 2/5 for Roussel, who wins with 18% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days. Son of Mizzen Mast is out of a half-sister to Regret (G3) winner Rich in Spirit and gray may be tough at this level with apprentice Trejos riding.

Belterra Park

Race 8

Trainer Anderson won with three of her last 21 first-time starters and saddles #5 Treat (10-1), a debuting daughter of good young sire Summer Front, who is out of a half-sister to Hilda’s Passion, winner of the Ballerina (G1) and the dam of Woodward (G1) winner Yoshida. Dark bay posted a sharp 4-furlong work in :49 from the gate a week ago and Anderson has won with 23% of her starters at this meet. Filly appears ready to win at first asking with Mojica in the irons.

Indiana Grand

Race 8

#1 Jeannie’s Beepbeep (5-2) weakened to finish second after leading early over 5 1/2 furlongs in her latest here early this month in her second start after a short break. Daughter of Successful Appeal has won one of her two starts on regular dirt and trainer Granitz wins with 16% of his runners third time off a layoff. Bay appears the one to catch breaking from the rail with Sanjur again in the saddle.