Churchill Downs Picks for Saturday, September 27:
HORSING AROUND IN LV: Mr. Ed, coming to VSiN horseplayers “LIVE” from Las Vegas, where he is hoping his grand finale visit (after 50 years of thrills and spills here) will bring the reversal of fortune he so desperately needs. Those unfortunate few who have been following my racing selections since the end of the 40-day Saratoga meet are well aware Mr. Ed has done little to no cashing, especially at Kentucky Downs and PARX. So, as he enjoys a few days of wining and dining with long-time friends and Las Vegas legends Dave Tuley and Johnny Avello, among others, he is more determined than ever to share some winners with VSiN followers. Today’s feature is Race 10, the G2 Lukas Classic. Let’s take a look at Mr. Ed’s plays at Churchill Downs.
Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks for Saturday (9/27)
Race 1 (12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT) — $20K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed says, “Let’s pick a pair.” He likes #3 D BIGALOW (7-2 morning line) with huge rider upgrade, Luis Saez, and #5 SHOT GUN SHACK (3-1) for always ready trainer Bret Calhoun. Pick gets first-time Lasix.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Daily Doubles of 3,5/3,4. ($20)
Race 2 (1:16 p.m. ET/10:16 a.m. PT) — $55K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
To cash the DD ticket, Mr. Ed likes #3 PRINCIP (5-2 morning line) with another big rider upgrade to Irad Ortiz Jr., and #4 TOP GUN TOMMY (2-1), veteran sprinter for veteran trainer David Jacobson. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione returns to complete the bet.
Race 4 (2:18 p.m. ET/11:18 a.m. PT) — $83K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going 1⅛-mile
Mr. Ed will take a shot with #2 LA HOULIGAN (5-1 morning line) for trainer Greg Compton with Cristian Torres returning to ride. Tested sophomore poised to pull an upset.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 6 (3:21 p.m. ET/12:21 p.m. PT) — $75K CLAIMING for 2YOs maidens going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s choice is #9 BANKER’S JET (4-1 morning line). As one who has ridden on one himself, Mr. Ed knows one when he sees one. Confused? Bet the jet for trainer Mark Casse with Tyler Gaffalione climbing aboard. All clear for landing in front.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)Race 7 (3:54 p.m. ET/12:54 p.m. PT) — $134K ALLOWANCE for 3YO fillies going 1 1/16-mile on turf
I’ll take a chance on three for the money: #5 SCATTITUDE (9-2 morning line) for hot Joe Sharp barn with Julien Leparoux riding; #8 MO EXPECTATIONS (4-1) for top trainer-jockey combo Brad Cox-Irad Ortiz Jr., and #9 PRETTY SASSY (10-1) for excellent turf conditioner Brendan Walsh; Tyler Gaffalione rides.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $ Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 8 (4:26 p.m. ET/1:26 p.m. PT) — $400K G3 ACK ACK STAKES for 3 YOs & up going a mile
Chalk talk: Mr. Ed can’t beat certain odds-on favorite #1 MOST WANTED (6-5 morning line) for Brad Cox, with Irad Ortiz riding for the first time. Speedball makes Mr. Ed forgive dull effort in Forego Stakes at Spa.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 9 (4:58 p.m. ET/1:58 p.m. PT) — $141K CLAIMING for KY-bred fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-miles
I’ll take a shot with #2 LEGADEMA (9-2 morning line) as the sprinter stretches out for excellent trainer Phil Bauer. Martin Garcia returns to ride. Look for a photo of the steady gal in the Winner’s Circle.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 10 (5:29 p.m. ET/2:29 p.m. PT) — $500K G2 LUKAS CLASSIC for 3YOs & up going 1⅛ mile
Mr. Ed likes MYSTIK DAN (5-2 morning line) as he preps for Breeders’ Cup Classic. Kenny McPeek trains. Rider yet to be named with go-to guy Brian Hernandez on the shelf.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $30 to Win. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $160
NFL (1-1)*
PITTSBURGH STEELERS +3
*(against the spread)
