Holland's North American Free Racing Picks for Sept. 30

Tim Holland has his focus on four tracks Wednesday, with expert picks for Delaware Park, Finger Lakes, Indiana Grand, and Thistledown.

Delaware

Race 3

Michael Matz has won with two of his first 12 runners at this meet and saddles #7 Blameless (9-2), who may have just needed his latest when fifth over a mile here last month in his first outing since February. Son of 14% grass sire Blame is out of Dancing to Rome, who won the Kentucky Ladies Turf S., and and gelding finished a close fifth in a tough allowance at Gulfstream two back. With tactical speed, he can be in good position throughout with Adorno up.

Finger Lakes

Race 6

#4 Open Lengths (7-2) has not been seen since weakening to finish third after leading early in his debut over 9-furlongs at Saratoga in mid-July. Trainer Weaver wins with 21% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days and son of decent young sire Lea is out of a half-sister to a dual Longacres Mile (G3) winner, Stryker Pro. Dark bay has been working well since his last outing and appears to be placed in a good spot to break his maiden with Gutierrez riding.

Indiana Grand

Race 7

#3 Russian Influence (8-1) rallied from just off the pace to win her debut over 5 1/2 furlongs here last month. Daughter of excellent sire Into Mischief is out of a full-sister to Pegasus Wind, who finished third in the Champagne (G1), and trainer Granitz wins with 15% of his runners that broke their maiden last time out. Filly figures to be in good position from the start with Ulloa remaining aboard.

Thistledown

Race 8

Maidens include #4 Itzafriendshipshot (8-1), a newcomer saddled by Jason DaCosta, who wins with 23% of his first-time starters. Filly has a good win-early pedigree being by Daaher and out of a mare by Tale of the Cat, and DaCosta has won with 22% of his runners at this meet. Dark bay has been working well and can win at first asking under Correa, who has won with 29% of his rides for the barn in the last 60 days.