Holland's North American Picks for April 11

by Tim Holland

Gulfstream

Race 5

A well-bred group of maidens go a mile on turf including #3 Egyptian Princess (8-1), a daughter of American Pharoah and out of Full Ransom, winner of the Miesque (G3) on grass. Filly has not been seen since finishing sixth in an even effort in her debut at this distance at Churchill in September, from which race the winner returned to win a good allowance at Keeneland next out. Recent works include a decent 4-furlong move in 47 2/5 for trainer Walsh, who wins with 21% that have not raced for 90 days or more. 3-year-old can show more here with Jaramillo taking the mount.

Race 8

#9 Mr Jaggers (12-1) tries dirt for the first time off good efforts in tough heats on grass at Saratoga last summer. 3-year-old should be suited to the surface being by Twirling Candy and has been working well at Payson Park for trainer Mott who wins with 17% of his runners that have not raced for three months or longer. Bay can be in good position from the start with Meneses in the irons.

Race 12

Trainer Walder wins with 15% of his runners that won last time out and saddles #4 Liza Star (6-1), who comes off a gate-to-wire score at this distance here last month. Chestnut has a record of 25-9-2-2 on this oval and Walder wins with 18% of his sprinters. 6-year-old figures to be fastest early and the one to catch again with Vasquez remaining aboard.

Oaklawn

Race 3

First of several competitive maidens on this card drew a full field with trainer Brad Cox represented by debuting #3 Oak Room (9-2). Son of 15% first-out sire Into Mischief is out of a stakes-winning mare and works include a 5-furlong bullet move in 1:00 1/5 from the gate for trainer who wins with 19% of his first-time starters. 3-year-old appears ready for a good first outing under Talamo, who has won with 23% of his rides for this barn in the past two months.

Race 5

A competitive field of fillies go 6 furlongs here with #6 Casual (6-1) making her debut for trainer Asmussen. Daughter of excellent sire Curlin is out of Lady Tak, who won the Test (G1), and has been working well for Asmussen, who wins with 18% of his first-time starters. Chestnut can be a factor with barn’s go-to rider, Santana up. One with racing experience and solid claims is #10 Nasty (6-1), who weakened to finish fourth in her debut at this distance at Fair Grounds in February, from which race the winner and third-place finisher both won next out. Trainer Cox wins with 26% of his second-time starters and daughter of Street Sense can be in good early position with Geroux in the saddle.

Race 7

#4 Feathered Indian (6-1) stretches out in distance with blinkers removed off a fading unplaced effort as the favorite after showing early run in his debut over 6 furlongs in January. Recent works include a 5-furlong move in :59 4/5 from the gate for trainer Diodoro, who wins with 22% of his second-time starters and with 23% that have not raced for 46-90 days. Son of Into Mischief can be in good position under Cohen, who won with 26% of rides for Diodoro in the last 60 days.

Race 9

The Oaklawn Mile drew an excellent field and #10 Long Range Toddy (10-1) will make his first start for trainer Dallas Stewart. Son of Take Charge Indy has a record of 4-1-1-1 on this oval, with his win coming in the Rebel (G2). Dark bay has not been seen since September, but has been working well for Stewart, who wins with 12% of his runners that have not raced for 90 days or more. Colt has won two of three starts at this distance and can be stalking what should be a solid pace under Hernandez, who has won with two of his last nine rides for this stable.

Race 11

Full field of 3-year-olds going 9-furlongs and #5 Sir Rick (15-1) comes off a near gate-to-wire win in the Sunland Derby in February. Son of Paynter makes his second start for trainer Diodoro, who wins with 23% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days and has won with 27% of his starters at this meet. 3-year-old has won four of six career outings and has a chance to wire this field at a solid price with Cohen up.

Tampa

Race 5

#2 Cloudbased (5-1) gets major class relief with blinkers and Lasix added off two unplaced efforts in New York last year. Trainer McGaughey wins with 15% of his runners that have not raced for 90 days or more and son of Orb is a half-brother to Maker's Mark Mile (G1) winner Data Link. New gelding can be tough at this level under Gallardo, who has won with two of his last three rides for McGaughey.

Race 9

Trainer Jonathan Thomas wins with 28% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days and saddles #5 Astroturf (5-2), who has not been seen since closing to finish second at this distance at Gulfstream in mid-February. Third place finisher from that event won next time out and son of Speightstown is out of a mare by Galileo. Gelding can be running from just off the pace with Garcia riding.