Mr. Ed’s Belmont at Aqueduct Picks:
BELMONT AT AQUEDUCT PICKS: Two of my favorite race meets (Saratoga & Kentucky Downs) have run and gone. Closing day in Kentucky saw the legendary Frankie Dettori capture both of the final two lucrative stakes of the season (worth $2.1 million in combined purse money), while leading riders Irad Ortiz Jr. and Tyler Gaffalione also had a pair of victories. Top trainer Brendan Walsh had two winners. With the exception of a $93 get-out-of-town winner in Race 3, many public choices prevailed as the average $2 Win ticket (not including the bomb) returned a mere $8.23. Good night, Kentucky Downs. And thanks for the memories. Now, let’s look at our opening day Belmont at Aqueduct picks.
ON TO NEW YORK: Today is the Opening Day of the Fall Belmont meet (being held at Aqueduct due to renovations at the former). Belmont at the Big A’s first race post time is 1:05 p.m. ET/10:05 a.m. PT. Warning: It’s a very mediocre, difficult card.
Mr. Ed’s Belmont at Aqueduct Picks for Friday, September 13
Race 5 (3:05 p.m. ET/12:05 p.m. PT) — $75K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for NY-bred 3YOs going 6 furlongs on the turf
Mr. Ed likes his #8 COUSIN ED (12-1 morning line), turning back to a sprint after a lackluster debut in June for Christophe Clement. NY-circuit favorite jockey Dylan Davis accepts mount. He ain’t heavy; he’s my cousin.
BELMONT AT AQUEDUCT PICKS: $5 to Win & Place. Box in $5 Exactas with 1,5. ($30)
Race 6 (3:37 p.m. ET/12:37 p.m. PT) — $75K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for NY-bred 2YOs going 1 1/16-mile on the turf
#9 CARA’S DREAMWEAVER (5-1 morning line) is my selection. Trained by Mitch Friedman and ridden by local veteran Eric Cancel. A pair of excellent works, she returns from a break and stretches out. Dream on, Cara.
BELMONT AT AQUEDUCT PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 7 (4:09 p.m. ET/1:09 p.m. PT) — $52K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going a mile
Mr. Ed likes #3 HE’S GOT THIS (9-2 morning line) for resilient local trainer Rick Detrow who hires top jock Irad Ortiz Jr. for initial effort following claim from Mike Maker’s stable. Confident gelding finds so-so field to his liking.
BELMONT AT AQUEDUCT PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 8 (4:22 p.m. ET/1:22 p.m. PT) — $85K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for NY-bred fillies & mares 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
I like #4 IM JUST KIDDIN (7-2 morning line) for savvy NY circuit trainer John Kimmel, who adds blinkers and cuts the daughter of Justify back to sprint. Irad Ortiz Jr. rides for the third consecutive time. Mr. Ed’s choice is no joke.
BELMONT AT AQUEDUCT PICK: Exacta Box of 4/2,7,9. ($30)
Race 9 (5:13 p.m. ET/2:13 p.m. PT) — $150K WINTER MEMORIES STAKES for 3YO fillies going a mile on the turf
Mr. Ed likes three for his money: promising #4 MIXOLOGIST (8-1 morning line) for Brad Cox and Manny Franco; #7 POOLSIDE WITH SLIM (5-1) for George Arnold and Frankie Dettori, and #8 DYNAMIC PRICING for Chad Brown and Irad Ortiz Jr. The price is right.
BELMONT AT AQUEDUCT PICK:$5 Exacta Box. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $130
SATURDAY AT CHURCHILL DOWNS: It’s back to Kentucky for the stakes-rich, 11-race card, which goes to post at 12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT. In the weeks ahead, leading up to the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar on November 1 and 2, Mr. Ed plans to post his selections from major-league racing venues, i.e. Churchill or Belmont at the Big A (BAQ), every Friday and Saturday here at VSiN.com.
