Aqueduct Picks for Saturday, April 4:
HORSING AROUND AT KEENELAND.Other than the outcome of most races, Mr. Ed, did you enjoy your Opening Day horseplaying misadventure at Keeneland? Not so much, fans. With 17 race days remaining on the meet calendar, Mr. Ed is confident he can overcome a few misfires on Day 1. Stick around, folks. Favorable results lie ahead. As for Friday, when all was said and run, attesting to the strength of the jockey colony and the trainer corps, Brian Hernandez was the lone rider with two wins, while no trainer saddled more than a single winner. At the windows, the average $2 win ticket returned $10.50. Today is that rare occasion when Mr. Ed steps outside his comfort zone to offer his selections at two major tracks (his Keeneland selections appear here).
SATURDAY AT THE BIG A: The 12-race card, featuring the $750K Wood Memorial, a stepping stone to the Triple Crown contests, and several other rich stakes headline the day’s program at Aqueduct. First race post time is 12:40 p.m. ET/9:40 a.m. PT with the Wood post at 6:34 p.m. ET/3:34 p.m. PT. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections for Aqueduct.
Mr. Ed’s Selections for Aqueduct on Saturday (4/04)
Race 1 — $83K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes either of two in the first leg of DD: #2 PAULA’S A STAR (5-2 morning line), whose regular rider Manny Franco holds the key to victory, and #6 MUNNING’S EXPRESS (9-5) for all-star NY trainer Linda Rice.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 2,6/2,5. ($20)
Race 2 (1:09 p.m. ET/10:09 a.m. PT) — $86K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 4YOs going 6½ furlongs
I like two to complete the wager: #2 POROSITY (7-5 morning line) with sharp regular rider Kendrick Carmouche, and #5 RESILIENCE (2-1) adds blinkers for the Bill Mott stable.
Race 3 (1:38 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT) — $150K EXCELSIOR STAKES for 4YOS & Up going 1¼ miles
Mr. Ed’s choice is #1 STOWAWAY (3-1 morning line) for sneaky-good trainer Whit Beckman with J.D. Ramos riding. Gelded son of Gun Runner ready to romp.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 4 (2:11 p.m. ET/11:11 a.m. PT) — $83K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & Up going I ⅛-mile
Mr. Ed wants just the #2 FACT(S), fellow horseplayers, to win. Manny Franco rides for trainer Will Walden.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 6 (3:16 p.m. ET/12:16 p.m. PT) — $300K G2 CARTER STAKES for 4YOs going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s BEST BET OF THE DAY is #2 BOOK ‘EM DANNO (1-1 morning line) for veteran trainer and jockey, Derek Ryan and Paco Lopez. Winner of nearly $2 million, the gelding has won 10 of 16. Book a winner at BIG A.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 9 (4:53 p.m. ET/1:53 p.m. PT) — $83K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & Up going 7 furlongs
I have a trio worth playing: #2 INCENTIVE PAY (9-5 morning line) for Chad Brown with Manny Franco up; #4 BOLD STRENGTH (6-1) for Brad Cox barn, and #9 MARY’S LAD (6-1) for Whit Beckman.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 2,4,9. ($30)
Races 9-12 — .50 Pick 4*
R9: 2,4
R10: 3,7
R11: 1,3,6
R12: 1,8,9,12,13 ($30)
*In the event of a scratch, the post-time favorite is the substitute pick.
Race 10 (5:25 p.m. ET/2:25 p.m. PT) — $150K G3 DISTAFF STAKES for fillies or mares, 4YOs going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s betting on #7 IMMERSIVE (7-5 morning line) as Manny Franco returns to saddle for top trainer Brad Cox.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 12 (6:34 p.m. ET/3:34 p.m. PT) — $750K WOOD MEMORIAL for 3YOs going 1⅛ miles
Mr. Ed’s pick to capture Derby prep is lucky #13 IRON HONOR (5-2 morning line), who has won his only two starts, including G3 Gotham Stakes. Manny Franco and Chad Brown reunite.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $10 to Win & $5 Exacta Box of 13/1,8,9,12. ($50)
TOTAL WAGERS: $200
HORSING AROUND AT KEENELAND: Look for Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections every race day between now and the conclusion of the Spring meet on Friday, April 24. Next up: Monday, April 6. HAPPY EASTER!
