Churchill Downs Picks for Sunday, September 28:
HORSING AROUND: The 10-race card at Churchill Downs offers several chances to be rewarded for those, like Mr. Ed, who are willing to take the risk. Visit to the VSiN home track has kept Mr. Ed busy with plenty of action at every turn. First post Sunday is 12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT. Louisville weather: Sunny and warm. Here are my picks:
Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Selections for Sunday (9/28)
Race 1 (12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT) — $78K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 7½ furlongs
It’s Daily Double time: My two picks in the first leg are #2 KILLJOY (4-1 morning line) for veteran trainer Paul McGee, who jumps the gelding in class and retains Tyler Gaffalione seeking a repeat win. I’ll also use #5 LURED AWAY (3-1) for savvy Kenny McPeek with rider TBD. Class drop and return to dirt are keys to a winning effort.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 2,5/2,3. ($20)
Race 2 (1:14 p.m. ET/10:14 a.m. PT) — $71K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes two to cash DD ticket: #2 PAIR OF SOCKS (7-2 morning line) for excellent conditioner Dallas Stewart with huge rider upgrade to Irad Ortiz Jr., and #3 GILDED RULER (5-1) with new rider Florent Geroux for trainer Jason Cook, who switches racing surface. Sock it to Mr. Ed!
Race 3 (1:43 p.m. ET/10:43 a.m. PT) — $75K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going a mile.
I like a trio: #4 WELAKA (3-1 morning line) for trainer Kelsey Danner with Adam Beschizza, returning to ride; #5 GILMORE (5-2) for hot Joe Sharp barn with Tyler Gaffalione, and #6 BRAZENLY (9-2) for young Will Walden, who makes rider switch to nation’s top jock Irad Ortiz Jr.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 4 (2:13 p.m. ET/11:13 a.m. PT) — $127K ALLOWANCE for 2YOs going a mile on the turf
Mr. Ed likes #2 HONEY DUTCH (5-1 morning line) for up-and-coming trainer Whit Beckman with journeyman Florent Geroux riding. Moving on up in class.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 5 (2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT) — $45K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed’s betting on classy #3 TRES SOLES (5-2 morning line) for the hot duo of trainer Joe Sharp and Irad Ortiz Jr. Young gelding is definitely the one to beat.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 6 (3:18 p.m. ET/12:18 p.m. PT) — $57K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed takes a chance on #3 HARBOR PRINCE (8-1 morning line), a first-timer for veteran KY trainer Tom Drury, who knows how to get ‘em running early. Low-profile rider accepts mount. Looking for upset score.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 7 (3:50 p.m. ET/12:50 p.m. PT) — $75K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 2YO fillies going 6 furlongs
My pick is outsider #8 GRAZIE PREGO (6-1 morning line) for always-ready-to-win trainer Al Stall Jr., with jockey TBD replacing injured Hernandez. Gal returns to dirt and shortens up to sprint.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 to Win & Place and Box in $5 Exactas with 5&6. ($30)
Races 7-10 (3;50 p.m. ET/12:50 p.m. PT) $1 Pick 4*
R7: 5,6,8
R8: 3
R9: 2,3,4,6
R10: 2,3,7 ($36)
* In the event of a scratch, the post-time favorite is the substitute pick.
TOTAL WAGERS: $176
NFL (1-1)*
PITTSBURGH STEELERS +3
*(against the spread)
