Saratoga Picks:
TRACKING MR. ED: To paraphrase award-winning New York Times sports writer Red Smith when asked for directions to Saratoga Springs, “Take the expressway north for 150 miles, turn right onto Union Avenue and go back 100 years.” Unfortunately, Tropical Storm Debby diligently followed Smith’s directions. Friday’s card was a total washout by the soaking remnants of Debby. On Thursday, the final two races were taken off the turf as an outer band of showers signaled the storm’s arrival around 3:30 ET. Chalk again ruled the day at the windows. The average $2 Win bet returned a meet-low $7.59. Irad Ortiz Jr. booted home three winners as Tyler Gaffalione, Mr. Ed, and popular trainer David Donk had two each. Let’s look at Saturday’s Saratoga picks.
SATURDAY AT THE SPA: Praying for FAST & FIRM, The early races leave much to be desired. Turns out they are merely appetizers for the main course of talent-rich contests to follow. Fans will feed on two competitive stakes, including the G2 Troy (Race 9). It’s a feast fit for the hungriest of horseplayers, especially Mr. Ed and VSiN followers. Here are Mr. Ed’s soaked selections.
Mr. Ed’s Best Bets at Saratoga for Saturday, August 10
Race 1&2 (12:35 p.m. ET/9:35 a.m. PT) — Two $100K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
Mr. Ed likes a Daily Double: In Race 1, #2 SANDMAN (7-2 morning line) for trainer Mark Casse with Dylan Davis piloting. In Race 2, #4 BANNED FOR LIFE (9-2) for Al Stall Jr. with “Overdue Lou” Saez.
SARATOGA SPECIAL: $10 Daily Double of 2/4. ($10)
Race 3 (1:39 p.m. ET/10:39 a.m. PT) — $60K CLAIMING for 4YOs & up going 6 furlongs
My choice is the favorite #4 SECRET RULES (9-5 morning line) for savvy Linda Rice with go-to rider Jose Lezcano. Class drop indicates Rice is looking to win but lose consistent 7YO in claim box.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (2:44 p.m. ET/11:44 a.m. PT) — $35K CLAIMING for 3YO fillies and mares going 6 ½ furlongs.
Mr. Ed takes a shot on up-and-coming rider Katie Davis on #8 TIL THERE WAS YOU (6-1 morning line) for trainer Ray Handel. Cut back from mile and class drop keys to aggressive effort. A wet track wouldn’t hurt.
SARATOGA PICK: $5 to Win & Place. ($10)
Race 7 (3:18 p.m. ET/12:18 p.m. PT) — $100K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs going 1 1/16-mile on turf
I like #11 CLOCK TOWER (6-1 morning line) for speed master Wesley Ward, who retains Johnny Velazquez to ride. I’m betting the race will be taken off the turf. If so, the works, initial Churchill effort, and connections all point to victory. Time is of the essence.
SARATOGA PICK: $20 to Win. ($20).
Race 9 (4:22 p.m. ET/1:22 p.m. PT) — G2 $300K TROY STAKES for 4 YOs & up at 5 ½ furlongs on turf
Mr. Ed believes #4 COGBURN (1-2 morning line) dominates others, whether on turf or dirt. Millionaire has been brilliantly managed by all-time-winningest Steve Asmussen and ridden to easy wins in his last two starts by Irad Ortiz Jr.
SARATOGA PICK: $50 to Win. ($50)
Races 11 (5:06 p.m. ET/2:06 p.m. PT) — $40K STARTER ALLOWANCE for 4YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #6 PRINTRACK (2-1 morning line) for Rudy Rodriquez and Luis Saez.
Race 12 (5:43 p.m. ET/2:43 p.m. PT) — $150K GALWAY STAKES for 3YO fillies going 5 ½ furlongs on turf
Mr. Ed likes #11 VALUE AREA (9-2 morning line), if off turf for Todd Pletcher and Johnny Velazquez.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 Daily Double. ($10)
TOTAL WAGERS: $110
SUNDAY AT SARATOGA: Two Grade 1 heavyweight stakes, the $500K FOURSTARDAVE (Race 10) & $600K SARATOGA DERBY (Race 11), both transferred from Saturday’s program, highlight the 11-race card, which is scheduled to begin at 1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT.
