Holland's North American free racing picks for Sept. 23

Tim Holland provides Wednesday picks for Churchill Downs, Indiana Grand, Parx, and Belterra.

Churchill Downs

Race 8

#6 Set Piece (8-5) lost chances when checked sharply in his latest at this distance at Saratoga in mid-July in his second start for trainer Cox. Son of Dansili finished third in the Craven (G3) last year before joining Cox, who wins with 26% of his runners on turf. Gelding can be along from off the pace under Geroux, who has won with 24% of his rides for the barn in the past 60 days.

Indiana Grand

Race 8

Allowance runners on grass include #6 Mo Hawk (10-1), who gave way after showing some early run from a wide post in the Caesars S. over a yielding course and distance in his latest last month. Son of Uncle Mo won his previous start on turf and makes his fourth outing for trainer Brisset, who has won with 31% of his runners at this meet. Likely firmer turf should suit and dark bay can be forwardly placed from the start with Prescott up.

Parx Racing

Race 7

Trainer Hills wins with 22% of his runners going a route for the first time and saddles #7 On Duty (6-1), who finished fourth in an even effort over 5 1/2 furlongs in his debut at Monmouth Park last month. Colt should be suited by the extra distance being by Point of Entry and out of a mare by Unbridled’s Song, and Hills wins with 11% of his second time starters. $140K 2-year-old purchase can be in good position throughout with Silvera in the saddle.

Belterra

Race 7

#9 Mayapretty (12-1) drops into a maiden claimer for the first time off an unplaced effort over 1 1/16 miles last month in her second outing. Daughter of English Channel is out of Affair Dabbler, who finished third in the Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf S., and trainer Humphries won with one of his last six runners making this class drop. Chestnut finished well when third in her debut and can be along from off the pace with Leon remaining aboard.