Holland's North American Racing Picks for July 6

Editor's Note: Handicapper Tim Holland has 755 races with 148 winners (19.6%) as of today. A slight loss (-3.5%) overall, but still profitable with 14% at odds of 5-1 or higher.

Delaware Park

Race 2

Blinkers come off #1 Zen Archer (6-1), who faded to finish unplaced after leading early over the track and distance in his latest last month in his first start since being claimed by Jamie Ness in February. Ness wins with 20% of his runners second off the claim and dark bay figures to be tough to catch breaking from the rail with Pedroza remaining aboard.

Indiana Grand

Race 6

#3 Star of Kodiak (15-1) has been freshened since giving way after vying for the early lead on dirt at Oaklawn in early March. Dark bay’s previous efforts sprinting on grass include a victory in a tough allowance at Keeneland last year for trainer Davis, who wins with 21% of his runners that have not raced for 90+ days. Son of Ready’s Image has been working well and may surprise with Murrill riding.

Thistledown

Race 1

Trainer Cowans has won with 36% of his runners at this meet and saddles #7 My Friend Buddy (8-1), a debuting son of Wilko who is a half-brother to two winners. Works appear moderate but Cowans wins with 18% of his first-time starters and with 27% overall in maiden special weight events. Gelding can win at first asking under Rivera, who has won with one of his last three rides for the barn.

Canterbury Park

Race 2

Little early pace may help chances of #6 Drama in Danube (4-1), who comes off a never-threatening unplaced effort over 6 furlongs in June. Dark bay likely needed his latest being his first outing since last August and trainer Sterling wins with 16% of his claimers. Son of Big Drama has a record of 12-2-2-2 on this oval and can be in front from the start with Eikleberry retaining the mount.