Holland's North American Free Racing Picks for Oct. 25

Churchill Downs opens for their 2020 Fall meet and Tim Holland as a few picks. Tim also provides selections for Laurel Park, Woodbine and Hawthorne.

Churchill Downs

Race 5

#6 Stayin’ Out Late (5-2) impressed when leading from the start to win his debut over 6 1/2 furlongs here last month from which race the second and third-place finishers both won their next outings. Son of Tapit is a half-brother to Cali Star, who won the Rampart (G3), and trainer Asmussen wins with 21% of his runners that broke their maiden last time out. Chestnut can be in good position throughout with Santana retaining the mount.

Race 10

A competitive field for the Rags To Riches includes #9 Midnight Ballerina (8-1), who was well-bet when fairly easily winning her debut from just off the pace over 6 1/2 furlongs here last month. Trainer Mott wins with 17% of his runners going a route for the first time and filly should handle this distance being by Mineshaft. 2-year-old should get a good trip from just off the pace and Leparoux remains aboard.

Race 11

Trainer Cox wins with 18% of his first-time starters and saddles #10 Outasite (3-1), a debuting son of good young sire Outwork, who is out of a mare by Speightstown, whose offspring win 16% of their first outings. $380K purchase earlier this year has posted some impressive works for Cox, who has won with 24% of his runners this year. Colt is likely ready to win at first asking under Geroux, who has won with 29% of his rides for the barn in the past two months.

Laurel Park

Race 5

#3 Fly the W (10-1) made some belated progress after being bumped at the start in his latest over 5 furlongs at Pimlico last month in his second start after a long break. Son of Ghostzapper is a half-brother to Caribou Club, who won the Seabiscuit (G3), and trainer Proctor wins with 16% of his runners going from a sprint to a route. Gelding can be along from off the pace under Carrasco, who has won with three of his last five rides for the barn.

Woodbine

Race 8

Trainer Carroll has won with 22% of her runners at this meet and saddles three here including #9 Sansa’s Vow (12-1), who flattened out after making early progress when fourth over 1 1/16 miles last month in her first since June. Carroll wins with 19% of her runners second off a layoff and daughter of Broken Vow is a half-sister to Prince of Wales S. winner Tone Broke. Dark bay can be running late under Fukumoto, who has won with three of his last eight mounts for this stable.

Hawthorne

Race 7

#1 Richiesgotswagger (5-1) was claimed by Hugo Rodriguez when a close second after being involved from the start over 6 1/2 furlongs in earlier this month in his first start since August. Gray has a record of 7-3-1-1 on this oval and Rodriguez wins with 24% of his runners first time off the claim. Gelding figures to be in front early and tough to catch with Roman riding.