Churchill Downs Picks for Saturday, September 13:
TRACKING MR. ED: Saturday’s program at Churchill Downs features five stakes (Races 6-11) with close to $2 million in total purse money spread across the 11-race card. First race goes to post at 12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT. Sunny skies and high in the mid-80s are expected for Louisville. Breaking news: Irad Ortiz, Jr., a leading mainstay in the NYRA jockey colony, has decided to move his tack to the Kentucky racing circuit. Here are Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN picks.
Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks for Saturday (9/13)
Race 1 (12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT) — $67K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 2YOs going 6½ furlongs
Mr. Ed kicks off the action with a DD: #1 MISINFORMATION (5-2 morning line), making third start for always ready Mark Casse with Jose Ortiz aboard, and #10 FLAT ROCK ROAD (12-1), making first start for young Will Walden with Alex Concepcion riding.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 1,10/2,6. ($20)
Race 2 (1:16 p.m. ET/10:16 a.m. PT) — $58K CLAIMING for fillies and mares 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #2 COMMANDED (2-1 morning line), who takes drop for trainer Tom Amoss and gets big rider upgrade to Jose Ortiz, and #6 WONDER OF YOU (5-1) with Tyler Gaffalione taking reins for Greg Foley. Two for the money.
Race 3 (1:46 p.m. ET/10:46 a.m. PT) — $76K CLAIMING for fillies and mares 3YOs & up going 7 furlongs
My choice is #10 VOLATILE MARKET (4-1 morning line) for all-time leading trainer Steve Asmussen, who brings Jose Ortiz back to ride. Outside post favors running style.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (2:18 p.m. ET/11:18 a.m. PT) — $62K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going a mile
Mr. Ed likes #6 GOOD MONEY (4-1 morning line) for trainer Ben Colebrook, who takes blinkers off and switches to young rider Luan Machado while dropping the first-time gelding to the lowest claiming price. Change is gonna’ do him good.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 6 (3:21 p.m. ET/12:21 p.m. PT) — $300K G3 POCAHONTAS STAKES for 2YO fillies going a mile
I like a trio: #2 MISS COMPLICATED (7-2 morning line) for Ian Wilkes, who retains Julien Leparoux; #5 OUR TWO GIRLS (6-1) for savvy Kenny McPeek with Brian Hernandez who scored in debut at Ellis Park, and #6 DAZZLING DAME (2-1) for hot-shot Brittany Russell and rider upgrade to Luis Saez.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 8 (4:26 p.m. ET/1:26 p.m. PT) — $300K G3 IROQUOIS STAKES for 2YOs going a mile
Mr. Ed likes #7 COMPORT (6-5 morning line) for veteran trainer Eddie Kenneally, who brings Tyler Gaffalione back to repeat score at Ellis Park. Solid works and should handle extra ground.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Races 8-11 (4:26 p.m. ET/1:26 p.m. PT) — $2 Pick 4*
R8: 5,7
R9: 2,4,6
R10: 1,3,10
R11: 13 ($36)
* In the event of a scratch, the post time favorite is the substitute pick.
TOTAL WAGERS: $126
PIGSKIN PICK (0-1)*
San Francisco 49ers -4.5
*against the spread
