Holland's North American Picks for Thursday, May 14

by Tim Holland

Tim Holland provide picks for Gulfstream Park, Golden Gate Fields, and Charles Town on Thursday.

Gulfstream Park

Race 3

Claimers going 5-furlongs on turf include #9 Gran Hombre (6-1), who was prominent from the start when a close second at this level over one mile in his latest last month. Son of decent turf sire Fed Biz broke his maiden at this distance two back for trainer De La Cerda, who wins with 25% of his runners going from a route to a sprint. Gelding can be in good position throughout with Zayas retaining the mount.

Race 6

Trainer Abreu wins with 22% of his first-time starters and saddles #8 My Sweet Wife (12-1), a debuting daughter of Candy Ride who is from a strong female family. Chestnut has been working well for Abreu, who has won with 13% of his runners at this meet and with 12% of his starters on grass. Abreu sent out a debuting winner going long at Tampa recently and filly should provide value in this competitive event.

Race 7

#7 Valid Quest (4-1) makes his first outing for trainer Maker and has not been seen since finishing a close second at Aqueduct in mid-March. Maker wins with 17% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days and with 21% of his starters at this meet. 3-year-old should find a solid pace to stalk under Irad Ortiz, who has won with 37% of his mounts for the barn in the last 60 days.

Race 9

Trainer Kimmel wins with 14% of his runners second off a layoff and saddles #5 Pacific Gale (8-1), who likely needed her latest when unplaced over the track and distance last month, her first outing since July. 5-year-old finished second in the Hurricane Bertie (G3) here last year and posted a sharp 3-furlong work in :36 1/5 four days ago for Kimmel, who has won with 17% of his runners this meet. Daughter of Flat Out can show more here with Saez remaining aboard.

Race 10

#9 Platinumcents (10-1) tries turf for the first time while dropping in class off a fading unplaced effort on the main track last month, her first start since debut in September. Trainer De La Cerda wins with 11% of his runners second off a layoff and with 13% making this surface change. Daughter of 15% grass sire Goldencents can be near the front throughout with Jaramillo again in the saddle.

Golden Gate Fields

Race 6

#4 Diamondsnchampagne (5-2) has shown her affinity for this all-weather surface with a 15-7-1-2 record, and was last seen when leading from the start to win here in early-March. Trainer Delia wins with 16% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days and with 26% of his claimers that won last time out. Mare figures to be the one to catch with Martinez retaining the mount.

Race 8

Maidens going 6-furlongs include #9 Perfect Mood (6-1), who drops in class off a never-threatening unplaced effort in her debut here last October. Filly has a speedy pedigree, being by Idiot Proof and out of a mare by Mud Route, and recent works include a sharp 3-furlong move from the gate in :36 2/5 a few days ago for trainer Jackson, who wins with 10% of her second time starters. Chestnut can be more competitive at this level with Gomez riding.

Charles Town

Race 3

Trainer Kevin Joy won with two of his last 10 runners that had not raced for 90+ days and saddles #6 Ready to Charm (4-1), who has not been seen since fading to finish unplaced in a maiden special weight event at Mahoning Valley in November. Daughter of Verrazano has shown early speed in all three career starts and worked a solid 4-furlongs in 48 1/5 in Kentucky late last month. Filly facing males figures to be sent to the lead with Bocachica in the irons.

Race 6

A couple of newcomers catch the eye in this state-bred maiden event. Trainer Grams wins with 19% of his first-time starters and saddles #4 Our Diamond Girl (5-1), who is by 15% debut sire Windsor Castle. Dark bay is a half-sister to three winners and works include a solid 4-furlong move in :48 2/5 from the gate six days ago. #6 Taptap (10-1) also has a good win early pedigree being by Tapiture and out of a mare by Successful Appeal. Trainer Pyke failed to win with his last five first-time starters, but chestnut posted a quick 4-furlong work in :47 2/5 six days ago. 3-year-old may provide some value with Peltroche in the saddle.

Race 7

#7 Cool Mo (4-1) widened to easily break her maiden over 7-furlongs in her latest in February, from which race the third-place finisher won her next outing. Daughter of excellent sire Uncle Mo worked 4-furlongs in :47 4/5 three days ago for trainer Runco, who wins with 22% of runners that have not raced for 46-90 days. Bay can be in good position from the start with Bocachica retaining the mount.

Want more info to help make your picks? Visit Brisnet.com and the reports below for more handicapping insights:

Spot Plays May 14
Brisnet Trainer/Jockey Stats Last 60 Days May 12
Brisnet Trainer Stats Last 60 Days May 12