Holland's North American free racing picks for Oct. 24

It's the final Saturday of Keeneland's fall meet and Tim Holland has some plays in celebration of their running. Additionally, Tim provides free picks for Belmont Park, Gulfstream Park West and Woodbine.

Keeneland

Race 8

Mike Stidham wins with 20% of his second-time starters and saddles #7 McDowell (5-1), who finished third in an even effort in his debut over 6 furlongs at Monmouth last month, from which race the winner returned to win the Nownownow S. Colt should be suited to the extra distance being by More Than Ready and out of a mare by A. P. Indy, and Stidham wins with 24% of his runners going a route for the first time. Bay can be in good position from the start with Graham in the irons.

Race 9

#8 Faccio Io (8-1) makes her first North American start for trainer Clement and was last seen when second of 19 runners after a tough trip in the Premio Regina Elena (G3) in Italy in mid-June. Daughter of decent European sire Bated Breath has won three of five career outings, and Clement has won with 20% of his runners this year. Chestnut has been working well and can be running late with Lasix added and Leparoux taking the mount.

Belmont Park

Race 10

A likely lively early pace in the Empire Classic may play into the hands of #4 Chestertown (10-1), who was last seen when rallying from just off the pace to win the Albany S. at this distance at Saratoga in early September. Son of Tapit cost $2 million last year and has worked well since his latest outing for trainer Asmussen, who wins with 19% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days. Gray can be in good position throughout with Jose Ortiz remaining aboard.

Carryover Alert: Jackpot Pick-6 of $189,903.47

Gulfstream Park West

Race 1

Maidens going 6 furlongs include #8 Scotch Whiskey (9-2), who gets blinkers added and drops in class off a weakening fourth-place finish at this distance at Gulfstream early last month. Trainer Danner wins with 12% of her runners that have not raced for 46-90 days, and son of Paynter is a half-brother to Livin Lovin, who won the Tempted (G3). Gelding figures to be near the front early under Arroyo, who has won with four of his last 13 rides for the barn.

Carryover Alert: Jackpot Pick-6 of $29,307.46

Woodbine

Race 1

#6 Pitching Fast (8-1) finished well when fifth after being steadied in his latest over 7 furlongs three weeks ago in his first start for trainer Halden and first outing since January. Son of Munnings is out of a mare by Medaglia d’Oro, and Halden wins with 27% of her runners second off a layoff. Chestnut can be along late with Bahen retaining the mount.

Carryover Alert: Jackpot Super High Five of $86,356.30