Churchill Downs Picks for May 29:
HORSING AROUND: Yes, Churchill Downs has NO stakes today — but just wait ‘til Saturday (see end of column). Mr. Ed suggests you play today’s nine-race card cautiously, keeping your betting stash liquid for the outstanding weekend of thoroughbred racing. A look at the jockey standings before today’s card shows the Ortiz Bros. on top with Irad (32), Jose (25), followed by Tyler Gaffalione (18) and Luis Saez (16). As for trainers, Joe Sharp (10) and Wesley Ward (10) lead, followed by Steve Asmussen (9) and Brad Cox (7). First post today is 12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT under cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-70s. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections.
Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks for Friday, 5/29
Race 1 — $127K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 6½ furlongs
Mr. Ed likes a pair: #1 TRUE PASSION (2-1 morning line) for trainer Lonnie Briley with rail-runner Cory Lanerie riding, and #7 BRILAND (5-2) for reliable Brendan Walsh barn with top rider Tyler Gaffalione aboard. Both entries capable of winning efforts.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 1,7/1,3 ($20)
Race 2 (1:14 p.m. ET/10:14 a.m. PT) — $120K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 1⅛-mile
Mr. Ed likes a pair of insiders: #1 TAP TO OPEN (6-5 morning line), with huge rider upgrade to Flavien Prat for super-sharp trainer Brad Cox, and #3 ATI GIRL (4-1) for tip-top trainer Bill Mott with leading rider Irad Ortiz in the saddle.
Race 3 (1:43 p.m. ET/10:43 a.m. PT) — $82K CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going 1 1/16 mile on the turf
Mr. Ed singles #1 MOUNT HOREB (7-2 morning line) for trainer Brendan Walsh with popular Tyler Gaffalione riding. In the money in six of 12 races, the gelding has the ability to go long. SO LONG!
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win ($10)
Race 4 (2:13 p.m. ET/11:13 a.m. ET) — $134K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going 1 1/16-mile
Three for the money: #2 ARISTOLE (5-1 morning line) for savvy trainer Mark Casse who picks up top rider Jose Ortiz in an all-out bid to secure a repeat score. Can go longer. Veteran trainer Ron Marquett hires young, hotshot jock Ben Curtis to pilot #7 KING RUSSELL (8-1). And to round out the bet, Mr. Ed likes the team of Cipriano Contreras and regular rider Manny Esquivel with #8 GEWURZTRAMINER. Room for gelding on winning ticket.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 2,7,8 ($30)
Race 6 (3:18 p.m. ET/12:18 p.m. PT) — $62K CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going a mile
Mr. Ed’s PLAY OF THE DAY is #4 TINGUS PINGUS (8-1 morning line) for always-tough trainer Mike Maker, who recruits big-time rider Flavien Prat to accept mount with inconsistent record. Reclaim by Maker key to the colt’s rebound.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 to Win, Place & Show ($15)
Race 7 (3:50 p.m. ET/12:50 p.m. PT) — $134K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YOs going 5½-furlongs on the turf
Another Mike Maker starter with a big shot is #4 CLOE (7-2 morning line) with top sprint rider Luis Saez returning. More than ready to regain winning ways.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $20 to Win ($20)
Race 8 (4:22 p.m. ET/1:22 p.m. PT) — $227K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YOs going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed has two to kick off late DD: #2 MUNNINGS CHALLENGE (2-1 morning line) for top Cox barn with Jose Ortiz up; and #4 GUN RANGE (5-1), making second start for Wesley Ward, who hires Florent Geroux after debut rout. Fire at will.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Daily Double: 2,4/5,7 ($20)
Race 9 (4:55 p.m. ET/1:55 p.m. PT) — $67K MAIDEN CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3 YOs & Up going a mile on the turf
Mr. Ed likes either of two to cash DD ticket: #5 RIBADEO (8-1 morning line), expensive filly making fourth start switches to grass for ace trainer Al Stall, Jr. with Jaime Torres riding, and #7 DEBBY’S GAL (6-1) for trainer Rick Baltas with Tyler Gaffalione riding. Coed tries a mile while moving to sod. You go, girl.
TOTAL WAGERS: $115
SATURDAY AT CHURCHILL DOWNS: It’s Stakes City with seven stakes (six of them graded) beginning at 12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT. Mr. Ed will be here on VSiN with his top selections. The 11-race card is expected to be under cloudy skies with a high of 78. Tracks will be FIRM & FAST.
