Holland's North American Free Racing Plays for Dec. 15

Parx Racing, Zia Park and Delta Downs hold the keys for handicapping picks by Tim Holland today.

Parx Racing

Race 8

#3 I’m the Talent (7-2) was involved from the start when winning her latest at Laurel earlier this month in her second start after a short break. Daughter of Talent Search has won four of her eight previous starts on this oval and trainer Lake wins with 19% of his runners that won last time out. Bay can be in the mix throughout under Rodriguez, who has won with one of his last nine rides for the barn.

Zia Park

Race 10

Trainer Hone wins with 11% of his first-time starters and saddles #11 Texana (15-1), a debuting daughter of 16% first-out sire Attila’s Storm who is out of a mare by Desert God, whose offspring win 13% of their first outings. Gray cost $35K as a yearling and has been working well for Hone, who has won with 14% of his runners this year. Filly may be ready to win at first asking with Guerra in the saddle.

Delta Downs

Race 7

#3 Friday’s Best (9-2) may have needed his latest when weakening to third after vying for the early lead over the track and distance last month, his first outing since February. Gelding has won one of five career starts and makes his second outing for trainer Johnson, who wins with 14% of his runners second off a layoff. Son of Sum of the Parts can be on or near the early lead with Nieves riding.

Race 9

Maidens going 5 furlongs include #6 Bode Rae (8-1), who has not raced since closing for fourth after being bumped and steadied at the start in her debut at Evangeline Downs in early August. Daughter of Bodemeister is a half-sister to six winners and trainer Gelner wins with 15% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days and with 14% of his starters in maiden claiming events. Filly can be more competitive with a better break with Melancon retaining the mount.