Holland's North American free racing picks for Aug. 7

Tim Holland has a few value plays for Friday, with picks at Saratoga, Laurel Park, Ellis Park, Monmouth Park, and Prairie Meadows.

Saratoga

Race 5

#5 Vast (15-1) has been freshened since giving way to finish unplaced at this distance in the Game Face S. at Gulfstream in early-June. Daughter of Lea won the Hollywood Wildcat S. at Monmouth last year and has been working well for trainer Mott, who wins with 18% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days. Filly can be along from off the pace with Alvarado riding.

Laurel Park

Race 5

Maidens sprinting on grass include #7 Jolly Swagman (5-1), who debuts for 26% first-out trainer Dale Capuano. Son of Discreet Cat is out of a mare by Hard Spun, who has produced a winner, and gelding has been working well for Capuano, who has won with 18% of his runners this year. First-time starter can win under Marquez, who has won with two of his last 11 mounts for this stable.

Ellis Park

Race 6

Trainer VanMeter wins with 18% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days and saddles #2 Pretty Plum (5-1), who has not been seen since finishing sixth in her debut at Gulfstream in January when trained by Ian Wilkes, who wins with few of his newcomers. Daughter of 13% grass sire More Than Ready has been working well at Keeneland for VanMeter, who has won with 21% of his starters since the beginning of the year. $275K yearling purchase can be along from off the pace under Cannon, who has won with one of his last five rides for the barn.

Race 8

#11 How Iconic (12-1) has not been seen since finishing second after chasing the early leaders at this distance on a sloppy main track at Churchill in June. Trainer Oliver wins with 9% of her runners on grass and daughter of promising young grass sire Tonalist was not disgraced when fourth in the Florida Oaks (G3) on turf at Tampa earlier this year. Filly has been working well and should find a solid pace to close into with Bejarano up.

Monmouth Park

Race 5

Trainer Lynch wins with 23% of first-time starters and saddles #8 Cool Stuff (6-1), a debuting daughter of 18% first-out sire Tapiture, who is a half-sister to one winner. Dark bay has been working forwardly for Lynch, who wins with 19% of runners in maiden special weight events and who has won with 3-of-9 starters at this meet. Filly can win at first asking with Vargas riding.

Prairie Meadows

Race 11

Another newcomer worth watching is #7 Sweet Perfection (15-1), who has a good win early pedigree being by 15% first-out sire Harbor the Gold. Filly cost $52K as a yearling and trainer Gelner wins with 16% of his first-time starters and with 16% overall in maiden special weight events. Dark bay’s works include a solid 4-furlong move in :47 3/5 from the gate last month and filly appears ready for a good first outing with Roman in the irons.