Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Picks:
WHO’S HOT & WHO’S NOT? After 14 of 40 days of summer at The Spa, Flavien Prat leads jockeys with 19 wins, followed by perennial leader Irad Ortiz, Jr. (18) and Tyler Gaffalione (13). Chad Brown, with 13 trips to the Winner’s Circle, leads all trainers, followed by Todd Pletcher (9) and Michael Maker (9). Riders with sub-par performances thus far include Joel Rosario (5), Luis Saez (4) and Frankie Dettori (2). Somewhat cool stables include those of Brad Cox (3), Christophe Clement (2) and Steve Asmussen (2). With the abundance of talent on hand in the highly competitive Spa meet, look for standings to even out between now and Labor Day. Same for Mr. Ed’s thus far below-par selections. Let’s look at Wednesday’s Saratoga picks.
TRACKING MR. ED: It’s time to bite into the meat of the Spa meet. With three weeks behind us and five lying ahead, the time has come to make some money. Mr. Ed is willing to forget his disappointing results thus far if loyal VSiN readers are prepared to forgive. Starting with a clean slate, let’s take an early look at Saturday’s G1 $1 million Whitney Stakes, followed by his exclusive VSiN selections for today’s mid-week, nine-race card. Post time for Race 1 is 1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT, with showers in the forecast.
WHITNEY WEEKEND: On Saturday, a full field of 12 graded-stakes-tested thoroughbreds, 4YO and up, headlined by National Treasure, First Mission, and Disarm, will go to the gate in The Whitney Stakes. The loaded 12-race card features four other graded stakes. On Sunday, Spa fans will be treated to another stakes-rich racing program.
Mr. Ed’s Best Bets at Saratoga for Wednesday, July 31
Race 2 (1:44 p.m. ET/10:44 a.m. PT) — $65K CLAIMING, 3YOs & up, 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s pick is #6 SQUIRE CREEK (2-1 morning line) for young trainer Joe Sharp. Lots to like: expensive son of super-sire Uncle Moe; second start off claim; drop in class, hiring of Tyler Gaffalione to ride. Bet the squire.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (2:52 p.m. ET/11:52 a.m. PT) — $95K ALLOWANCE, NY-bred 3YOs & up, 1 ⅛-mile
Mr. Ed is betting #5 TOSCANO (3-1 morning line) for Midwest-based conditioner Larry Rivelli who stretches colt out after a pair of sharp sprints. Works say he’s ready, top jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. agrees.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 6 (4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT) — $80K MAIDENS, 2YO fillies, 5 ½ furlongs on turf
In savvy trainer Wesley Ward, Mr. Ed trusts. #10 MASCARA (4-1 morning line), son of multi-stakes sire Caravaggio, breaking from outermost post with veteran Junior Alvarado, may never look back. Count on mascara running.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Races 7-9 (4:34 p.m. ET/1:34 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed’s SARATOGA PICKS: $1 Pick 3
R7: 5,6,8,9
R8: 3,5,6,9,10
R9: 5,6 ($40)
Race 7 (4:34 p.m. ET/1:34 p.m. PT) — $28K CLAIMING, 4YOs & up, 7 furlongs
I like #5 RAM (6-1 morning line) for young trainer Norm Casse to spring upset. Colt, under regular rider Ricardo Santana, stretches out on class drop.
SARATOGA PICKS: $5 to Win & Place, $5 Exacta box of 5,6,9. ($40)
Race 8 (5:10 p.m. ET/2:10 p.m. PT) — $135K DE LA ROSE STAKES, fillies and mares 4YOs & up, 1 mile on turf
#9 EVVIE JETS (7-2 morning line) is Mr. Ed’s top pick of the day. Seasoned mare, daughter of Twirling Candy, turns back after a rough finish in G1 Diana. Winner of more than $800K, she gets tip-top jock Flavien Prat as the pilot. Very fast.
SARATOGA BEST BET: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 9 (5:42 p.m. ET/2:42 p.m. PT) — $60K MAIDEN CLAIMING, 3YOs & up, 1 mile
Mr. Ed likes #5 BOLD AMBITION (7-2 morning line) and #6 DARK DEVIL (9-2) to complete $1 Pick 3.
TOTAL WAGERS: $130
MR. ED’S TIP OF THE DAY: For those planning to spend a race day at Saratoga and stay overnight between now and Labor Day, it’s best to have a fat wallet in your deep pockets. Here’s what one can expect to spend: Parking & admission to track: $30; Daily Racing Form & track program: $20; lunch in Clubhouse: $75; two drinks in newly renovated Jim Dandy Bar: $25; dinner & a glass of wine at a popular restaurant: $95; single room in brand name motel: $450; breakfast sandwich and coffee at Stewart’s: $7. TOTAL TAB, plus tips: $850. And be sure to bring a few dollars along for wagering on Mr. Ed’s picks.
