Holland's North American Racing Picks for Aug. 26

Handicapper Tim Holland looks to cash wagers Wednesday with picks at Saratoga, Delaware Park, Thistledown, and Penn National.

Saratoga

Race 7

#5 Old Chestnut (12-1) finished well when second in the Quick Call (G3) over the course and distance last month in his second start after a four-month break and has a record of 4-2-1-0 at this trip. Son of excellent turf sprint sire Speightstown is out of Pool Land, who won the Ruffian (G1), and trainer Casse wins with 18% of his runners third time off a layoff. Chestnut should find a solid pace to close into with Alvarado remaining aboard.

Race 9

Maidens on turf include #6 Ballerina Showgirl (15-1), who makes her first start for Linda Rice and has not been seen since showing little on the all-weather surface at Kempton last October. Rice wins with 20% of her runners that have not raced for 90+ days and filly should take to turf being by Showcasing and out of a mare by Mr. Greeley. Chestnut has been working well and gets Lasix added under Lezcano, who has won with 27% of his rides for the barn in the past 60 days.

Delaware

Race 8

Mike Stidham wins with 19% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days and saddles #11 The Last Zip (5-1), who was last seen when weakening to finish fourth on the main track here early last month. Son of 15% grass sire City Zip finished third in the Secretariat (G1) at this distance last summer and posted a sharp 4-furlong work in :47 4/5 nine days ago for Stidham, who has won with 26% of his starters at this meet. Gelding can be on or near the lead from the start under Suarez, who has won with two of his last eight rides for the barn.

Thistledown

Race 1

#6 Quality Man (8-1) flashed brief speed before being pulled up while appearing to try to bear out early in his debut over 5-furlongs here in early-June. Chestnut has been gelded since his first outing and has been working forwardly for trainer Rone, who wins with 23% of his runners in maiden special weight events. Son of Elusive Quality is out of a mare by Smart Strike and should be set for a better effort with Rosendo in the saddle.

Penn National

Race 1

Trainer Wooley wins with 10% of his first-time starters and saddles #2 Weallwegot (8-1), who has a good win early pedigree being by Jump Start and out of a mare by City Zip. Gelding has been working forwardly and Wooley has won with 19% of his runners since the beginning of this year. Bay appears to be ready for a good first outing with Otero up.