Mr. Ed’s Belmont at Aqueduct Picks for Sunday, May 11:
TRACKING MR. ED — Superstar jockey Joel Rosario led the parade of winners on Saturday at Belmont at Aqueduct (BAQ), capturing three of the five graded stakes on the 11-race card. Other riders with multiple scores included Jose Lezcano, Irad Ortiz, Jr. and Dylan Davis, all with two each. Trainers Christophe Clement and Linda Rice also had two wins. And, judging by all the short prices, the low-budget player also had a great day with the average $2 win ticket returning $8.60. Sunday’s nine-race card at BAQ features a mix of allowance and claiming contests. First race goes to the post at 1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT. Let’s take a look at Mr. Ed’s picks.
Mr. Ed’s Selections at Aqueduct (BAQ) for Sunday, May 11
Race 1 (1:10 p.m./10:10 a.m. PT) — $85K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #5 HOT SPUN (9-2 morning line) for obscure trainer Chetram Bhigroog, who retains promising apprentice rider Chris Elliot. There are three expensive, well-bred first timers in the field, but I’m counting on more experienced HOT SPUN, who’s making his fifth start as he returns to sprint.
BAQ SELECTION: $10 to Win & $5 Daily Doubles of 5/1,2,3. ($25)
Race 2 (1:37 p.m. ET/10:37 a.m. PT) —$31K CLAIMING for fillies, 3YOs & up going a mile
I think it’s as easy as #1 FOCUS POCUS (5-2 morning line), #2 DANNEEL (3-1) and #3 THAT’STHEFACTJACK (9-2).
BAQ SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box 1,2,3. ($30)
Race 3 (2:05 p.m. ET/11:05 a.m. PT) — $65K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YO fillies going 6 furlongs
Strictly a jockey play on improving Katie Davis, whose climbing aboard #5 PASSAGE EAST (3-1 morning line) for trainer Hugh McMahon. Youngster loves to ride, and she’s picking up better mounts every day. Katie’s a future star.
BAQ SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 5 (3:06 p.m. ET/12:06 p.m. PT) — $80K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile on the turf
I like #1 COGNOSCENTI (8-5 morning line), who should benefit from the inside post. Lisa Lewis trains as gelding gets huge rider upgrade to Irad Ortiz, Jr. Recent works indicate he’s ready to return from break.
BAQ SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 6 (3:38 p.m. ET/12:38 p.m. PT) — $90K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for fillies, 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs on the turf
Mr. Ed likes three for the money: #3 WEEKEND RAGS (4-1 morning line) with Dylan Davis riding on closer; #6 ULTIMATE READY (8-1) for Mott-Alvarado team, and #7 CREED’S GOLD (7-2) with Irad Ortiz picking up mount.
BAQ SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 7 (4:10 p.m. ET/1:10 p.m. PT) — $88K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed is betting on #6 MASTER OF ARMS (2-1 morning line) for excellent trainer Michael Maker, who brings Dylan Davis back to ride. Gelding is ready to wrestle.
BAQ SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 8 (4:43 p.m. ET/1:43 p.m. PT) $82K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile on the turf
I like a pair, #2 SLAPINTHEFACE (5-1 morning line) for Tony Dutrow and Manny Franco, and #3 BE OF COURAGE (3-1) for John Pregman and Ruben Silvera.
BAQ SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 2,3/3,4. ($20)
Race 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT) — $85K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
My bet is on either #3 FIRE’S OUT (4-1 morning line) or #4 MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE (7-2) to complete the Daily Double.
TOTAL WAGERS: $155
PEEK AT PREAKNESS: With several Kentucky Derby runners, among them winner Sovereignty, Rodriquez and Burnham Square, opting to pass on the Preakness next Saturday, the prospective field and approximate odds shape up like this (as of Saturday, 05/10):
- Journalism 5-2
- Sandman 8-1
- Clever Again 12-1
- River Thames 12-1
- American Promise 15-1
- Gosger 20-1
- Caldera 30-1
- Heart of Honor 30-1
- Pay Billy 30-1
Look for Mr. Ed here on VSiN.com covering all the events and racing at Pimlico, beginning Thursday, right on through the Preakness on Saturday. The official Post Position Draw is scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. ET.
