Churchill Downs Picks for Thursday, October 30:
TRACKING MR. ED: The racing news of the day came early from Del Mar, CA, with confirmation that Breeders’ Cup Classic morning line favorite Sovereignty was being scratched from the race due to a fever. Meanwhile, at Churchill Downs, the prediction of rain came, contributing to several boxcar winners. At the windows, the average $2 Win ticket returned a sky-high $23.13. When all was said and run, jockeys Jose Ortiz and Francisco Arrietta each captured a pair of winners, while all ten races were won by ten separate trainers. Other than the rainfall, none of Mr. Ed’s predictions panned out. Turning to Thursday, Churchill is offering an average mid-week card with the first race going to post at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT. Let’s take a look at Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections, keeping in mind that a losing day at the track is better than a winning day anywhere else.
Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks for Thursday, 10/30
Race 1 — $58K CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going a mile
Mr. Ed begins the wagering day with a Daily Double: #5 EXPLOSIVELY (2-1 morning line) drops in class for second start for trainer Matt Shirer with Luis Saez returning to saddle, and #7 MO HOPE (9-5) for owner-trainer Steve Asmussen and son jockey, Keith, who rides gelding for first time.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 5,7/1,3. ($20)
Race 2 (1:29 p.m. ET/10:29 a.m. PT) — $62K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 1 1/16-mile
To successfully complete the DD, Mr. Ed likes #1 FEARLESS LADY (4-1 morning line) for new trainer Norm Casse, who makes a big rider change to Luis Saez, and #3 SISTER CARLIE (5-2) for low-key trainer Tom Humphries, who switches jockeys to promising Luan Machado. A pair of fearless sisters.
Race 3 (1:58 p.m. ET/10:58 a.m. PT) — $120K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs & 3YOs going a mile
My bet is on #5 BOLD STRENGTH (9-5 morning line) for tip-top trainer Brad Cox, who stretches the colt out after Placing in debut. Florent Geroux returns to ride.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $10 to Win & $5 Exacta Boxes with 2,7. ($30)
Race 5 (2:57 p.m. ET/11:57 a.m. PT) — $37K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
My pick is #5 BROOKLYNN DREW (8-5 morning line) for Dave Jacobson’s barn. Classy filly drops while seeking to repeat wire-to-wire score in last with Tyler Gaffalione aboard.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 6 (3:26 p.m. ET/12:36 p.m. PT) — $134K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going a mile on the grass
Mr. Ed likes #1 CAMEO PERFORMANCE (3-1 morning line) for hot trainer Brendan Walsh, who retains Tyler Gaffalione and turns coed back after game Place finish at Keeneland. A star is born.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Races 7-10 (3:55 p.m. ET/12:55 p.m. PT) — $.50 PICK 4*
R7: 1,3,7,10
R8: 7,8,9
R9: 2,3
R10: 1,4,6 ($36)
* In the event of a scratch, the post-time favorite becomes the substitute pick.
Race 8 (4:25 p.m. ET/1:25 p.m. PT) — $141K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going a mile
I’m betting on these three for the money: #7 FULL SCREEN (9-2 morning line) for powerful Brad Cox barn; #8 BENDOOG (3-1) for HOF trainer Bill Mott, and #9 GUN PARTY (7-2) for all-time winningest trainer Steve Asmussen.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $146
DOUBLE DUTY DAY: Mr. Ed will return to VSiN Friday with his Churchill Downs selections, as well as his picks for the first five of 14 Breeders’ Cup contests at Del Mar.
