Holland’s North American Racing Picks for July 8

Handicapper Tim Holland has betting tips for Keeneland’s opening day, as well Delaware Park, Penn National, Indiana Grand and Canterbury Park.

Keeneland

Race 4

Several well-bred maiden fillies include #2 It’s Mine (5-1), who tries turf for the first time off a third-place finish over 7-furlongs at Churchill last month. That was the first start since her debut in April, and $410K yearling purchase should take to the surface given she’s by Medaglia d’Oro and trainer Asmussen wins with 16% of his runners going from dirt to turf. #7 I Hear You (10-1) did not get the best of trips when fifth in her debut at this distance at Laurel in late May. Trainer Stidham wins with 21% of his second time starters and daughter of Street Sense is out of Overheard, who won the Dance Smartly (G2).

Race 5

Trainer Chatlos has a win from his last six first-time starters and saddles #7 Searing Chase (6-1), a debuting son of Uncle Mo who is out of a half-sister to American Derby (G3) winner Divine Oath. Recent works here include a solid 4-furlong move in :47 3/5. Gelding appears ready for a good first outing with Rosario taking the mount.

Delaware

Race 4

#3 Proposition (10-1) makes her turf debut off a weakening fourth-place finish after leading early over 7-furlongs on Tampa’s main track last month. Trainer Stidham wins with 24% of his runners first time on grass and filly should take to the surface being by Into Mischief and out of a mare by Street Cry. 4-year-old figures to be the one to catch with Suarez in the irons.

Penn National

Race 3

Maidens going 6-furlongs include #3 Noble Flight (8-1). Daughter of Jump Start is a half-sister to two winners and has been working forwardly for trainer Houghton, who wins with 21% of his runners in maiden claiming events. Filly can win at first asking under Cora, who has won with one of his last two rides for the barn.

Indiana

Race 9

#10 Hay Dakota (5-1) was claimed by Mike Maker when closing to finish fourth at Belmont over a mile in his latest early last month. 7-year-old finished a close third in the Canadian Turf (G3) two back and has a record of 10-4-1-2 at this distance. Maker wins with 15% of his runners first time off the claim and gelding can be running late with Leparoux in the irons.

Race 10

Trainer McPeek wins with 14% of his runners second off a layoff and saddles #4 Impeccable Style (10-1), who may have just needed her latest when second at Churchill last month, first outing since March. Daughter of Uncle Mo has won 1-of-5 career starts for McPeek, who is winning with 15% of his starters this year. Dark bay has tactical speed and can be in good position throughout with Parker riding.

Canterbury

Race 3

Maidens over 6-furlongs include #3 Shehe (6-1), a newcomer with a speedy pedigree being by Marino Marini and out of mare by Roar. 5-year-old posted a decent 4-furlong work in :48 3/5 six days ago for trainer Rarick, who has won with 20% of his runners this year and wins with 13% of his maiden claimers. Gray appears ready for a good first outing with Lindsay in the saddle.