Churchill Downs Best Bets:
CHURCHILL DOWNS BEST BETS: There is nothing like six straight quality stakes at Churchill Downs to get Mr. Ed’s handicapping juices flowing. Beginning with Race 7 ($500K Wise Dan) and concluding with Race 12 ($250K Tepin), Mr. Ed, following a winning day last week, offers his exclusive VSiN selections for Saturday.
Race 7 (3:52 p.m. ET/12:52 p.m. PT) — G2 $500K WISE DAN STAKES for 4YOs & up at 1 1/16-mile on the turf
Mr. Ed likes #6 EXAULTED (4-1 morning line). Following a string of excellent works, veteran West Coast trainer Peter Eurton brings the expensive son of Twirling Candy East to take on a small but salty field of older campaigners. Regular jockey Juan Hernandez tags along for the ride.
CHURCHILL DOWNS BEST BET: $10 to Win and $5 Exacta boxes of 6/2,5. ($30)
Race 8 (4:25 p.m. ET/1:25 p.m. PT) — G2 $500K FLEUR DE LIS STAKES for fillies & mares 4YOs & up at 1 ⅛-mile
I like #6 XIGERA (9-2 morning line) for sneaky-smart conditioner Phil Bauer. Granddaughter of super sire Uncle Moe. Excellent earner ($900,056) stretches out in an effort to become a millionaire with veteran Julien Leparoux aboard. Guy can fly.
CHURCHILL DOWNS BEST BET: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 9 (4:58 p.m. ET/1:58 p.m. PT) — $250K AMERICAN DERBY for 3YOs at 1 1/16-mile on turf
Mr. Ed likes #5 AGATE ROAD (7-2 morning line) with top rider Irad Ortiz Jr. in the saddle for the powerful Repole Stable-Bill Mott combo. Colt adds blinkers to help chill him in the starting gate. Look for the cooler son of Quality Road late.
CHURCHILL DOWNS BEST BET: $10 to Win and $5 Exacta boxes of 5/1,7. ($30)
Race 10 (5:31 p.m. ET/2:31 p.m. PT) — $250K KELLY’S LANDING STAKES for 3YOs & up at 6 ½-furlongs
I’ll take a shot with #8 BANGO (6-1 morning line) for sharp trainer Greg Foley, making his second start in form cycle. With 11 wins over the oval, a score today would make this 7YO the all-time winningest horse at Churchill. Tyler Gaffalione returns to the saddle. Mr. Ed has Bango!
CHURCHILL DOWNS BEST BET: $10 Win & Place and Exacta box of 1,5,8. ($50)
Race 11 (6:03 p.m. ET/3:03 p.m. PT) — G1 $1 Million STEVEN FOSTER STAKES for 4 YOs & up at 1 ⅛-mile
Mr. Ed likes super-consistent #4 DISARM (6-1 morning line) in a race full of million-dollar earners. Speedy 4YO posted four consecutive 100+ speed figures to close out the 2023 sophomore campaign. Trained by Steve Asmussen, who conditioned his sire Gun Runner. Joel Rosario is back to ride. Son of a gun.
MR. ED’S BEST BET OF THE DAY: $30 to Win and $5 Daily Doubles of 2,4/1,5,8. ($60)
Race 12 (6:32 p.m. ET/3:32 p.m. PT) — $250K TEPIN STAKES for 3YO fillies at 1 mile on the turf.
Mr. Ed likes #1 SIMPLY IN FRONT (4-1 morning line) & #8 PIPSY (7-2) to complete Daily Double.
TOTAL WAGERS: $190
SPOT PLAYS
Aqueduct Race 7 ($250K Manila Stakes) — DETERMINISTIC (4-1)
Gulfstream Race 10 ($100K Musical Romance Handicap) — BLUEFIELD (5-2)
MAKE NOTE: The traditional Saratoga summer meet opens on Thursday, July 11. The eight-week meet at Mr. Ed’s special race place runs through Labor Day.
