Holland's North American free racing picks for Oct. 12

Handicapper Tim Holland offers free expert racing picks for Gulfstream Park West, Belmont Park, Finger Lakes and Santa Anita on this Monday.

Gulfstream Park West

Race 4

#4 Rain of Blessing (8-1) showed brief speed before fading to finish unplaced over 5 furlongs on grass in a maiden special weight event at Gulfstream in her debut early last month. Trainer Cadahia won with one of his last five second-time starters, and filly can show more at this level with Reyes remaining aboard.

Belmont Park

Race 8

Trainer Brown wins with 29% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days and saddles #6 Cost Basis (4-1), who has not raced since weakening to finish fourth over 7 furlongs at Belmont in February. Son of Into Mischief has won one of four starts and has been working well for Brown, who has won with 25% of his runners at this meet. Colt can be forwardly placed from the start under Jose Ortiz, who has won with 27% of his rides for the barn in the past 60 days.

Finger Lakes

Race 5

Blinkers are added to #12 Laoban Furen (12-1), who showed little in her debut over 6 1/2 furlongs at Saratoga last month. Trainer Gulliot wins with 17% of his second-time starters, and daughter of promising young sire Laoban is a half-sister to Brill, who finished third in the Chandelier (G1). Improvement can be expected with Gutierrez aboard.

Santa Anita

Race 1

Maiden juveniles on grass include #3 High Con (5-1), who faded after showing early run when unplaced in her debut at Del Mar in early August. Daughter of leading freshman sire Nyquist is a half-sister to Bob Hope (G3) winner High Velocity and has worked well since her first outing for trainer Baltas, who wins with 16% of his second-time starters. Chestnut cost $325K as a yearling and can be on or near the early lead with Gonzalez retaining the mount.