Mr. Ed’s Kentucky Downs Picks:
TRACKING MR. ED: While Mr. Ed got lucky and didn’t fare too badly at Kentucky Downs on Thursday, most riders, trainers and chalk players found it as inscrutable as ever. Jockey Luis Saez broke out of his recent slump with a pair of winners, while ever-steady Tyler Gaffalione led all riders with three. Conditioner Saffie Joseph Jr. was the lone trainer to have a multiple score with two. The average $2 Win ticket returned a generous $14.25. Let’s take a look at Mr. Ed’s Kentucky Downs picks.
TODAY AT KENTUCKY DOWNS: What has 162 entries,101 trainers, 27 jockeys and more than $10 million in purse money? Today’s brutally tough 12-race card at Kentucky Downs features six graded stakes and three challenging Pick 5s. Should be fun! First post is set for 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT.
Mr. Ed’s Picks for Saturday at Kentucky Downs
Race 3 (1:40 p.m. ET/10:40 a.m. PT) — $200K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1 5/16-mile on turf
Mr. Ed likes #3 PUBLIC SECTOR (4-1 morning line) for the double-junior combo of Irad Ortiz Jr. and Saffie Joseph Jr. Winner of nearly $800K gets a huge rider upgrade and stretches out following dull G2 effort at Woodbine. Public support expected.
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICKS: $10 to Win & $5 Exacta Box with 6,9. ($40)
Race 5 (2:50 p.m. ET/11:50 a.m. PT) — $190K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares 3YOs & up going a mile on turf
My choice is #7 SPARTAN QUEEN (4-1 morning line) for sharp grass conditioner Brendan Walsh. Cutback to a mile and the rider switch to Tyler Gaffalione are both positive actions. Crown the Queen.
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 6 (3:27 p.m. ET/12:27 p.m. PT) — G3 $2 Million LADIES MARATHON for 3YOs & up going 1 5/16-mile on turf
I’ll try to beat the betting favorite with value play on #7 NEECIE MARIE (4-1 morning line). Joel Rosario was brought back by Bob Reid to rejuvenate 4YO dead-cold closer. Look for her in deep stretch.
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $10 Win & Place. ($20)
Race 7 (4:04 p.m. ET/1:04 p.m. PT) — G2 $2 Million MUSIC CITY STAKES for 3YO fillies going 6 ½ furlongs on turf
Mr. Ed likes #2 KAIRYU (6-1 morning line). Irish import gets extra ground while Jose Ortiz rides for the second time. Popular trainer Cherie DeVaux had an excellent Saratoga meet. Look for the filly at the Finish Line.
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Races 7-10 (4:41 p.m. ET/1:41 p.m. PT) MULTI-RACE WAGER
R8: 2,6,8,10
R9: 6,8,10
R10: 2,7,11
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $1 Pick 3 ($27)
Race #9 (5:18 p.m. ET/2:18 p.m. PT) — G1 $2 Million FRANKLIN-SIMPSON STAKES for 3YOs going 6 ½ furlongs on turf
Mr. Ed likes #10 HOWARD WOLOWITZ (9-2 morning line) to spring upset vs. a deep field of sophomore sprinters. Promising Joe D’Angelo-trained colt stretches out and gains services of top jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. Fast works attest to fitness. A Big Bang!
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 10 (5:55 p.m. ET/2:55 p.m. PT) — G2 $2 million KY TURF CUP for 3YOs & up going 1 ½-mile on turf
Once again, Mr. Ed refuses to give up on his favorite 5YO #7 TAWNY PORT (8-1 morning line) for Christophe Clement. Winner of more than $1.1 million, the guy keeps trying tough company and coming up short. Flavien Prat gets on board for the second time. He’s my port in any storm.
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK OF DAY: $20 to Win. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $167
SPOT PLAYS
R10 Colonial Downs
$500K G3 Virginia Derby
#2 GRAND MO THE FIRST (4-1)
R4 Del Mar
$300K G1 Debutante Stakes
#6 TENMA (4-1)
NFL ATS PICK (1-0): Bengals -8.5
