Mr. Ed’s Best Bets for Aqueduct and Del Mar for Saturday, November 18
TRACKING MR. ED: Last Saturday, he had one of his most profitable days here on VSiN.com when he gave out an ice-cold, $10, 4-5 Exacta, returning $34.60 in Race 4 at Churchill Downs. Later, he hit a sizzling $5, 8-12 Exacta for $340.00 in Race 9 at Aqueduct. Together, they added up to $376.40 won on total posted plays of $140. It’s about time!
OLD DOG, NEW TRICK: As an aging horseplayer who has spent his entire life on the Right Coast, Mr. Ed has never developed a taste for Left Coast racing. I’ve enjoyed several days punting at Santa Anita, as well as a few afternoons at both Prairie Meadows and Golden Gates Fields — with little, if any, success at the windows. When it comes to Del Mar, where the surf meets the turf, I drove through its backstretch once on a non-racing day just to claim “been there, done that” to fellow handicapping degenerates back east. Including the earliest days of simulcasting, I can’t remember ever having a winning day at a California oval until this year’s Breeders’ Cup at SA.
When the racing gods announced that the next two BCs would be held at Del Mar, I was crushed. Why not my beloved Keeneland, Belmont, the Big BIG A, or even Saratoga, I asked. Predictable good weather, the gods replied. What’s a confirmed Easterner, hungry to attend one final Breeders’ Cup before betting solely at Pearly Gates to do? Give California wagering another try. So, to attract more followers, a few of today’s selections, despite lackluster cards, will be from Del Mar. What the hell — if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Here are today’s selections:
Aqueduct Race 3 (12:50 p.m. ET/9:50 a.m. PT)
From one gentleman to another, Mr. Ed selects #4 MR PHIL (4-1 morning line). The six-year-old gelded son of Mr. Speaker loves the NY oval, sporting an 18-6-5-1 record over the track. Up-and-coming Jose Gomez rides in this sprint for conditioner Rudy Rodriquez. Wager: $10 to Win. ($10)
Aqueduct Race 4 (1:19 p.m. ET/10:19 a.m. PT)
The $100K Notebook Stakes
Mr. Ed likes a trio: #3 AGGELOS THE GREAT (2-1 morning line); #6 WORKS FOR ME (5-2), and #8 ALWAYS A WARRIOR (12-1). Wager: $4 Exacta box. ($24)
Aqueduct Race 6 (2:17 p.m. ET/11:17 a.m. PT)
I like #4 DANZIGWITHTHESTARS (9-2 morning line) win at first, asking for rejuvenated trainer Dick Dutrow—the stretch out to a mile-and-an-eighth suits the running style. The addition of top rider Irad Ortiz Jr. seals the deal. Wager: $10 to Win and $3 over and under 7, 10, 11 in Exactas. ($28)
Aqueduct Race 9 (3:43 p.m. ET/12:43 p.m. PT)
The $150K Turf Sprint Championship
Mr. Ed’s BEST BET is #11 THIN WHITE DUKE (5-1 morning line). This tested, consistent grass sprint specialist is looking for a third victory over NY weeds. Jose Lezcano returns to ride for the oft-overlooked, savvy trainer David Donk. Wager: $20 to Win and $10 to Place. ($30)
Del Mar Race 5 (5:28 p.m. ET/2:28 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes #6 KID AZTECA (2-1 morning line). Low odds as a favorite, but the sophomore son of superior sire Sharp Azteca is too good to pass up. Trainer Peter Miller drops the new gelding in class and rehires Juan Hernandez, who’s won on him before. Wager: $20 to Win. ($20)
Del Mar Race 7 (6:28 p.m. ET/3:28 p.m. PT)
I like lightly raced #8 DOUBLE JAB (5-2 morning line) to score a knockout punch in a turf sprint limited to Cal breds. Look for the gelding to continue improvement for Andy Mathis. Excellent rider Flavien Prat, back in CA after spending the summer in NY, climbs aboard. Wager: $10 to Win. ($10)
Del Mar Races 8&9 (6:58 p.m. ET/3:58 p.m. PT)
The Cary $100k Cary Grant Stakes
Mr. Ed likes stone cold Daily Double of #7 THE CHOSEN VRON (4-5 morning line) in the eighth and #4 GIVE ME THE LUTE (5-2) in the finale. Both appear much-the-best vs. uninspiring fields. Wager: $10 Daily Double. ($10)
TOTAL WAGERS: $132
WHAT WILL MR. ED DO (7-2)* ON SUNDAY
Bet the Vikings +2.5 to surprise the Broncos
*against the spread
