Holland's North American horse racing picks for Oct. 20

Tim Holland presents his handicapping picks for racing at Parx, Indiana Grand, and Presque Isle Downs today.

Parx

Race 2

#3 Pop Pop’s Boy (15-1) was claimed by Carlos Soto when fading after showing early speed in his debut over 5 1/2 furlongs at this level last month. Son of Take Charge Indy posed a decent 4-furlong work in :36 4/5 six days ago for Soto, who wins with 23% of his runners first time off the claim and who has won with 13% of his starters at this meet. Dark bay can be on or near the early lead with Felix riding.

Race 9

Blinkers are added to #4 Quick Tempo (6-1), who will try regular dirt for the first time off a fading fifth-place finish after dueling for the early lead on turf at Woodbine last month. Dark bay impressed when leading from the start to win his debut at Arlington for trainer Davis, who has won with 18% of his runners this year. Son of Tapizar figures to be sent early with Sanchez in the irons.

Indiana Grand

Race 7

Trainer Gorham wins with 13% of his first-time starters and saddles #5 Compass Point (15-1), a debuting son of good young sire Liam’s Map and a half-brother to two winners. Gelding posted a decent 4-furlong work in :49 2/5 from the gate eight days ago for Gorham, who has won with 19% of his runners at this meet. Gray could be ready for a good first outing under Perez, who has won with 25% of his rides for the barn in the past two months.

Carryover Alert: Jackpot Pick-6 for $35,324.78 in race 2.

Presque Isle Downs

Race 8

#1 Wrong Color (6-1) narrowly missed when second after making an early move to the lead from just off the pace in her latest over the track and distance last month. Trainer Sweezey won with one of his first five starters at this meet, and filly has a record of 6-2-2-0 at this distance. Daughter of Gemologist can be in good position from the start with Morales retaining the mount.

Carryover Alert: Jackpot Pick-6 for $2,151.91 in race 4.