Holland's North American Racing Picks for July 19

Saratoga

Race 7

Maidens going 5 1/2 furlongs include #6 Peachy Queen (8-1), who debuts for trainer Gargan, who wins with 15% of his first-time starters. Daughter of promising new sire Runhappy posted a decent 4-furlong work in :48 1/5 here 10 days ago for Gargan, who has won with 29% of his runners this year. Bay cost $180K as a yearling and can win at first asking with Franco up.

Race 9

#8 Cat’s Pajamas (5-2) remained unbeaten in two starts for trainer Motion when closing from just off the pace to win an allowance in her latest at Belmont last month. Motion wins with 15% of his runners that won last time out and with 14% of his starters in graded stakes. Improving daughter of Street Sense has tactical speed and can be in good position throughout under Velazquez, who has won with 33% of his rides for the barn in the past 60 days. 

Ellis Park

Race 7

#8 Mission From Elle (7-2) was a touch rank early chasing slow early fractions but still stayed on well when third in her latest at this distance at Churchill last month in her second start after a long break. Daughter of Noble Mission has won one of six starts on grass for trainer Walsh, who wins with 21% of his runners third off a layoff. 4-year-old can be in good position throughout under Hernandez, who has won with one of his last two rides for the barn.

Race 8

Trainer Wilkes wins with 13% of his second-time starters and saddles #1 Belluci (12-1), who was not a factor after a slow start in her debut at Churchill last month. Daughter of excellent young sire American Pharoah is a half-sister to Salty, who won the La Troienne (G1) and has worked well since her first outing for Wilkes, who has won with 13% of his starters this year. Improvement can be expected with Landeros retaining the mount.

Gulfstream Park

Race 6

#4 Rijeka (4-1) won his one previous start at this 12-furlong distance and was last seen when unplaced facing better after having early trouble over 9 furlongs in April. Gelding has been working forwardly for trainer Joseph, who wins with 26% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days and with 19% of his starters on turf. Chestnut can be along from off the pace with Meneses aboard.

Woodbine

Race 9

#8 Lead Director (9-2) has a good win-early pedigree being by Majesticperfection and out of a mare by Bertrando and is a half-brother to one winner. Gelding’s works include a sharp 5-furlong move in :58 3/5 recently for trainer Tiller, who wins with a solid 23% of his first-time starters. Chestnut can win at first asking under Hernandez, who has won with two of his last seven rides for the barn.

Ruidoso Downs

Race 7

Trainer Gonzalez wins with 20% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days and saddles #2 Manoso (6-1), who has not been seen since fading to finish fourth at Sunland in March. Recent works include a quick 3-furlong move in :35 4/5 for Gonzalez, who has won with 22% of his runners at this meet. Chestnut can be in good position throughout with Coates remaining aboard.