Holland's North American Free Racing Plays for Dec. 22

Handicapper Tim Holland takes a look at free plays from Mahoning Valley, Parx Racing and Delta Downs.

Mahoning Valley

Race 6

#2 Calusa Queen (7-2) gave way to finish unplaced after vying for the early lead through fast fractions in her latest over the track and distance last month in her first start since June. Daughter of Shackleford has won two of her six career outings, and trainer Rone wins with 23% of his runners second off a layoff. Filly should have an easier time on the lead here with Barbaran retaining the mount.

Parx Racing

Race 1

Trainer Demasi wins with 17% of her runners that have not raced for 46-90 days and saddles #7 Dakota Outlaw (10-1), who has not raced since fading to finish sixth in his debut over 6 1/2 furlongs here in early November. Demasi wins with 16% of her second-time starters, and son of Last Gunfighter is a half-brother to three winners. Gelding can be near the front from the start with Rodriguez remaining aboard.

Race 9

Plenty of early speed should help the chances of #1 Jump for Alex (5-1), who rallied from just off the pace to win his latest over one mile here in late September. Gelding has a record of 15-5-3-1 on this oval, and trainer Preciado has won with 30% of his runners at this meet. Dark bay can be along late with Laprida again in the irons.

Delta Downs

Race 3

Maidens going 5 furlongs include #10 Got Kramer (12-1), a debuting son of Greeley’s Galaxy, who is a half-brother to three winners. Works include a sharp 3-furlong move in :36 4/5 from the gate six days ago for trainer Landry, who wins with 18% of his first-time starters. Gelding appears ready for a good first outing under Stokes, who has won with one of his last 12 rides for the barn.