Holland's North American free racing picks for Nov. 8

Tim Holland offers his post Breeders' Cup picks across North America at Churchill Downs, Aqueduct, and Woodbine.

Churchill Downs

Race 10

#1 My Mane Girl (8-1) has not been seen since fading to finish unplaced after dueling for the early lead as the favorite in her debut over 5 1/2 furlongs here nearly a year ago. Daughter of speedy sire Fast Anna has been working very well for trainer McPeek who wins with 16% of his second-time starters. Filly figures to be sent early breaking from the rail with Albarado up.

Gulfstream Park West

***Racing canceled due to Tropical Storm Eta

Race 2

Trainer De La Cerda wins with 11% of his runners second off a layoff and saddles #5 Rich’s Rags (6-1), who likely needed her latest when weakening to finish sixth after dueling for the early lead over 6 furlongs at this level last month being his first outing in 14 months. De La Cerda wins with 16% of his runners overall in maiden claiming events, and son of Union Rags is a half-brother to three winners. Gelding figures to be the one to catch with Burgos riding.

Aqueduct

Race 7

Sprinters on turf include #5 Graetz (5-1), who comes off a second-place finish after tracking the early leaders over 5 1/2 furlongs at Saratoga in early September, from which race the winner returned to win next time out. Daughter of Tizway has won one of her four starts on turf, and trainer Bond wins with 17% of his runners that have not raced for 46-90 days. Dark bay can be running from just off the pace with McCarthy up.

Race 10

Blinkers are added to #12 The Promised Road (10-1), who was not a factor after a slow start in her debut at this distance at Belmont last month. Trainer Weaver wins with 18% of his second-time starters, and daughter of Quality Road is a half-sister to five winners. $220K yearling purchase can show more here with Juarez in the irons.

Woodbine

Race 5

#7 Arzak (6-1) showed speed before fading to finish unplaced as the favorite in his debut at Delaware early last month. Son of excellent young sire Not This Time cost $575K earlier this year, and trainer Trombetta wins with 17% of his second-time starters. Chestnut can be on or near the early lead under Contreras, who has won with one of his last three rides for the barn.