Holland's North American free racing picks for Oct. 9

Tim Holland offers his picks to start this weekend of racing at Keeneland, Belmont Park, and Gulfstream Park West.

Keeneland

Race 6

Maidens on turf include #2 Capt. Maestri (12-1) who made some progress to finish third in his debut over one mile on the main track at Churchill early last month. Gelding should take to turf being by Tapit and out of a daughter of Bint Pasha, who won the Prix Vermeille (G1). Bay is a half-brother to five winners on turf, and trainer Pessin won with two of his last nine runners first time on grass. 4-year-old can be running late with Lanerie remaining aboard.

Race 8

#10 Gray Magician (6-1) won his one previous start on this oval and has not been seen since making late progress when fifth in the Fred Hooper (G3) over one mile at Gulfstream in January. Gray has been working well for trainer Miller, who wins with 16% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days and who has won with 24% of his starters this year. Colt should find a solid pace to stalk with Gaffalione taking the mount.

Race 10

#3 Zero to Sixty (6-1) tries the main track for the first time off a slightly unlucky fourth-place finish as the favorite at Kentucky Downs last month in her second outing. Filly should be suited to dirt being by American Pharoah and out of Prioress (G1) winner Cat Moves, and trainer Stall wins with 24% of his runners making this surface change. Chestnut can be along from off the pace with Castellano taking the mount.

Belmont Park

Race 2

Trainer Clement wins with 18% of his second-time starters and saddles #6 Anzio Beach (6-1), who gets blinkers removed off a fading unplaced effort in his debut in a maiden special weight event at Saratoga in July. Son of Uncle Mo is out of Grace Anatomy, who finished third in the Alcibiades (G1), and Clement has won with 33% of his runners at this meet. Bay can show more here under Franco, who has won with one of his last 10 rides for the barn.

Gulfstream Park West

Race 1

Maidens include #6 Spin Class (9-2), who switches to turf off a fifth-place finish in an even effort over 6 furlongs in his debut at Gulfstream last month. Trainer Hamm wins with 18% making this surface change and filly should take to turf being by Hard Spun. 2-year-old can be forwardly placed from the start with Prado remaining aboard.