Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks:
TRACKING MR. ED: Belmont at Aqueduct (BAQ) is no Saratoga, racing fans. BAQ opening day failed to provide much to write about. Friday’s card was populated by lots of nearly lame, bottom-level claimers with inconsistent racing behavior and cheap first-timers. And Aqueduct is no Belmont. Such is the current sad state of NY racing. Summer sizzle at the Spa followed by nine months of discontent for horseplayers. Sounds as if Mr. Ed’s wine was made with sour grapes. However, there is hope for top-shelf racing starting Friday, October 4, at Keeneland in Lexington, KY. As for Friday at BAQ, Dylan Davis booted home FTS MISSELIOFWAR at 29-1 in the finale. Kendrick Caramouche was the lone jockey or trainer to have two victories. The average Win ticket, bomb and all, returned $16.99. Let’s look at Mr. Ed’s Saturday Churchill Downs picks.
BACK TO KENTUCKY: Saturday’s stellar 11-race card at Churchill Downs, featuring five challenging stakes races, tests the handicapping skills of many a horseplayer — including Mr. Ed. Trainer Joe Sharp and jockeys Tyler Gaffalione and Luis Saez shared the headlines during the first few days of the Fall meet. Saturday’s program begins at 12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT.
Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks for Saturday, September 14
Race 1 (12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT) — $72K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes two: #4 SHIRL’S BEE (3-1 morning line) for always-sharp, speed specialist Wesley Ward, and #6 TEMECULA (5-2) for the hot Brendan Walsh.
CHURCHILL DOWNS PICKS: First leg of $5 Daily Double. ($20)
Race 2 (1:17 p.m. ET/10:17 a.m. PT) — $58K MAIDEN CLAIMING for fillies and mares 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
To complete the Daily Double, I like #7 BEACH BUNNY (9-2 morning line) for Wayne Catalano, and #8 SALLY O’MALLEY (3-1) for trainer Al Stall.
CHURCHILL DOWNS PICKS: second leg of Daily Doubles.
Race 5 (2:48 p.m. ET/11:48 a.m PT) — $300K OPEN MIND STAKES for fillies and mares 3YOs & up going 6 ½ furlongs
Mr. Ed’s choice is veteran stakes campaigner #2 ZEITLOS (8-5 morning line) for all-time leading trainer Steve Asmussen, who retains rider Christian Torres. Expensive offspring of super sire Curlin, filly can handle return to dirt and ½ furlong stretch out. This gal can sprint.
CHURCHILL DOWNS PICK: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 6 (3:12 p.m. ET/12:12 p.m. PT) — $127K ALLOWANCE for 3 YOs & up going 7 furlongs
I’ve got my money on three: #7 THINK BIG (5-1 morning line) for reliable trainer Michael Stidham, who recruits Brian Hernandez to ride; #10 STAR OF WONDER (3-1) for top conditioner Brad Cox and go-to jockey Florent Geroux, and #12 ATTACHÉ (7-2)for Chris Hartman and veteran rider Rafael Bejarano. Think big win!
CHURCHILL DOWNS PICK: $5 EXACTA BOX. ($30)
Race 7 (3:53 p.m. ET/12:53 p.m. PT) — G2 $400K LOCUST GROVE STAKES for fillies and mares 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed likes #7 SHOTGUN HOTTIE (2-1 morning line), money-machine offspring of popular sire, Violence. Jose Ortiz is in the saddle. Mr. Ed is riding shotgun to Winner’s Circle.
CHURCHILL DOWNS PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Races 8-11 (4:25 p.m. ET/1:25 p.m. PT) — CHURCHILL DOWNS $0.50 PICK 4
R8: 9,12,13
R9: 2,10
R10: 5,7,10
R11: 2,5,11 ($27)
Race 8 (4:25 p.m. ET/1:25 p.m. PT) — G3 $300K POCAHONTAS STAKES for 2YO fillies and mares going a mile
Mr. Ed’s BEST BET of the day is #9 STRONG STATE (5-1 morning line) for the always tough trainer Al Stall Jr., who recruits tip-top jockey Irad Oritz Jr. Blinkers, added distance, and dry track seal the deal. Powerful combination.
CHURCHILL DOWNS PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 10 (5:29 p.m. ET/2:29 p.m. PT) — G3 $300K IROQUOIS STAKES for 2YOs going a mile
My money is on #10 JONATHAN’S WAY (9-2 morning line) for outstanding Kentucky-based conditioner Phil Bauer. Colt’s debut win at Saratoga was spot on. Joel Rosario signs on the youngster for a repeat score. Kentucky Derby futures bet, too.
CHURCHILL DOWNS PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $147
SPOT PLAYS
R10 Belmont at the Big A
G3 $350K Jockey Club Oaks
#5 – JUST DENY (8-1)
R10 G1 $1 million Woodbine Mile
#6 – WIN FOR THE MONEY (10-1)
NFL PICK: LA CHARGERS -6.5
(to date: 1-1)
