Holland's North American free racing picks for Aug. 31

Tim Holland starts out this grand week of racing with his top picks across North America. Tracks covered include Fort Erie, Parx, Presque Isle, and Del Mar.

Fort Erie

Race 2

#4 Motara (9-2) was not a factor when unplaced over 7 furlongs in her debut at Woodbine early last month from which event the winner and runner-up both won their next outings. Daughter of Uncle Mo is out of a mare by Street Cry who has produced one winner, and trainer Giliforte won with one of last three runners making their second outing. Dark bay posted a sharp 4-furlong work in :47 3/5 since her first outing and can break her maiden with Husbands riding.

Parx

Race 4

Trainer Hendriks wins with 23% of his runners second off a layoff and saddles #10 Declared (4-1), who finished well when third at this distance at Delaware in his latest last month in his first start since February. Son of Hard Spun is out of Magnificent Song, who won the Garden City Breeders’ Cup (G1), and Hendriks has won with one of his three runners at this meet. Gelding can be along from off the pace with Rodriguez in the irons.

Presque Isle

Race 5

A full field for the Satin and Lace includes #3 Regal Chant (10-1), who has a record of 8-6-1-0 on this Tapeta surface and who has not been seen since finishing fifth in an even effort over 5furlongs on grass at Tampa in early-May. Daughter of Regal Ransom has posted three good recent works on this oval for trainer Hamm, who wins with 15% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days and who has won with 21% of his starters at this meet. Filly can be in good position from the start under Spieth, who has won with one of his last four rides for the barn.

Del Mar

Race 8

#4 Great Power (5-1) tries turf for the first time off a fading last-of-four finish after leading early in the Los Alamitos Derby (G3) early last month. 3-year-old is a half-brother to Woody Stephens (G2) winner March and should take to turf being by Blame and out of a mare by Unbridled’s Song. Colt has been working well for trainer Callaghan, who wins with 18% of his runners first time on turf and who has won with 36% of starters this meet. Bay can be in good position throughout with Blanc in the saddle.