Mr. Ed’s Kentucky Downs Picks:
Results of Saturday’s 12-race, stakes-laden $12 million program rewarded horseplayers with several double-digit payoffs on $2 Win tickets. Winning payouts ranged from a high of $52 (BOY BOY in Race 4) to a low of $4.20 (COGBURN in Race 11). The average $2 Win ticket returned $13.44. Three riders, Joel Rosario, Luis Saez and Irad Ortiz, each had a pair of winners. Twelve different trainers captured one win apiece. Today’s rich, penultimate 11-race card goes to post at 1:25 p.m. ET/10:25 a.m. PT. Let’s take a look at Mr. Ed’s Sunday Kentucky Downs picks.
Mr. Ed’s Kentucky Downs Picks for Sunday, September 8
Race 3 (2:29 p.m. ET/10:29 a.m. PT) — $200K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for Fillies and mares 3YOs & up going 1 5/16-mile on turf
Mr. Ed likes #7 MOVIN’ ON UP (7-2 morning line) for busy conditioner Saffie Joseph Jr. Repeat of last two efforts, 4th in Saratoga stakes and Win at Churchill, puts gal ahead of the rest. Jose Ortiz, who rode her to Win at Gulfstream last winter, was rehired to saddle up. Sharp move.
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (3:34 p.m. ET/12:34 p.m. PT) — $190K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares for 3YOs & up going 7 furlongs on turf
My selection is expensive filly #8 KEHOE BEACH (7-2 morning line), daughter of Omaha Beach. Cutback to 7 furlongs, return of Johnny Velazquez, and recent speedy works are keys to front-running score for Wesley Ward trainee.
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 6 (4:07 p.m. ET/1:07 p.m. PT) — $170K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YO fillies going a mile on the turf
I like #11 BALLERINO D’ORO (7-2 morning line) for strong connections of Chad Brown and Irad Ortiz Jr. She hit the gate in her debut, costing her any chance at victory. Shorter distance and speedy works fit her well. Dancing on the grass.
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 7 (4:32 p.m. ET/1:32 p.m. PT) — $1 million JUVENILE MILE for 2Y0s on turf
Three for Mr. Ed’s money: #6 WEST BEACH (4-1 morning line) with Frankie Dettori up; #7 FORGED STEEL (3-1) with Tyler Gaffalione, and #10 TIZTASTIC (8-1), ridden by Irad Ortiz.
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Races 8-10 (5:17 p.m. ET/2:17 p.m. PT) — MULTI-RACE WAGER
R8: 1,9,10
R9: 2,4,6,9
R10: 4,8,10,12
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $1 Pick 3. ($48)
Race 9 (5:51 p.m. ET/2:51 p.m. PT) — $1 million JUVENILE FILLIES for 2YOs going a mile on turf
Mr. Ed likes #6 MAY DAY READY (9-2 morning line) for low-profile trainer Joseph Lee with Frankie Dettori, who rode the filly to victory in her debut at Saratoga. Much expected from the daughter of Tapit. She’s ready to deliver on her promise today.
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $10 to Win and $5 Exacta Boxes of 4,6,9. ($40)
Race 10 (6:25 p.m. ET/3:25 p.m. PT) — $1.5 million GUN RUNNER STAKES for 3YOs going a mile on turf
My choice is #12 NEAT (7-2 morning line). Trained by Rob Atras and ridden by Junior Alvarado, talented connections have won the last two graded stakes. Outside post no problem for bona fide closer.
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $188
LOOKING AHEAD: Mr. Ed plans to be back at Kentucky Downs on Wednesday for the 10-race finale card of its short, but highly rewarding, two-week season. The $500K Nashville Gold Cup, a marathon for 3YOs & up, is the headline event. Then, on Friday, I plan to offer my selections for Opening Day in New York for the Belmont at the Big A (BAQ) fall meet. Finally, it’s never too early to start counting the days (53) to the 2024 Breeders’ Cup on November 1 and 2 at Del Mar, where the Turf Meets the Surf.
