Holland’s North American Racing Picks for May 19

by Tim Holland

Handicapper Tim Holland has his sights set on Will Rogers Downs and Fonner Park for May 19.

Will Rogers Downs Picks

Race 1

#10 Just What I Needed (5-2) was compromised by a slow start when closing to finish third against better at 6-furlongs earlier this month in her second outing. Trainer Compton has won with three of his last six runners dropping two classes and at a 14% rate in maiden claiming events. Daughter of Paynter can be tough at this level with Kennedy remaining aboard.

Race 3

Trainer Diodoro wins with 31% of his claimers and saddles #1 Rocky Boy Indian (5-1), who held on to win his latest over a mile at this level last month. Chestnut has won twice at this distance and Diodoro is connecting at a 26% clip meet. Gelding can be forwardly placed from the start with Eikleberry up.

Race 4

Maidens going one-mile include #2 Midnight Drama (6-1), who stretches out in distance off a fading fourth place finish in which he showed good speed in his debut. Trainer Bravo wins with 21% of his second time starters and at 16% going from a sprint to a route, and the son of Big Drama figures to be the one to catch with Eikleberry retaining the mount.

Race 9

#6 Quality Rocket (4-1) comes off a second-place finish in an even effort over 6-furlongs last month, his second start after a near 5-month break. Dark bay has won 2-of-4 at the distance and trainer Caster is 16% when going from a sprint to a route. 6-year-old can be in good position throughout with Steinberg again in the saddle.

Fonner Park Picks

Race 2

Trainer Donlin saddles #1 Giant Gamble (5-2), who was passed late when second as the choice going slightly longer in his latest two weeks ago. Donlin has won with 15% of his starters this meet and gelding has a record of 10-2-2-3 on this oval. Son of Aragorn figures to be the one to catch breaking from the rail.

Race 4

#2 Golden Bullet (2-1) drops in class off an unplaced effort sprinting here last month. Trainer Compton wins with 20% of his runners going from a sprint to a route and 6-year-old has won before at the distance. With an expected forwardly-placed trip, bay should be tough at this level with Fackler taking the mount.

Race 7

An allowance over 6-furlongs includes #4 Ourbestfriend D L (3-1), who was caught late when second after leading from the start at this level in his latest last month. Gelding has won twice from four starts over the track, and trainer Anderson has won with 19% of his starters at this meet. Son of Yes It’s True can be the one to catch with Olesiak retaining the mount.