Churchill Downs Picks for November 13:
LESS HORSING AROUND = MORE WINNERS: Being away from the game for a few months has agreed with Mr. Ed. Had he known that time on the bench could produce rewards, he might have gone missing sooner. It’s great to be back on VSiN — and hopefully sharing more winners! While away, he took some time to review his past results and came to the conclusion that going forward he’ll concentrate his efforts on quality over quantity. So, look for him to offer fewer selections, more in-depth commentary and hopefully a greater percentage of winners. Today and tomorrow’s selections are all from Churchill Downs. New motto: Fewer picks, more winners.
Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks for Friday, 11/13
Races 1&2 (1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed kicks the day off with a Daily Double. In the first leg, at 6F for maidens, he likes a pair: #3 BOORAY (4-1 morning line), who drops for trainer George Weaver with high-percentage rider Tyler Gaffalione returning, and longshot #6 MR. FETE (8-1) with overdue jockey Edgar Morales up for John Ennis barn. Class drop should do him good. To complete the DD, Mr. Ed’s betting on either #3 APEXION (5-1), returning to dirt for Asmussen gang (Steve & Keith) and #9 GAINES TRACE (8-1) with hot-shot young rider, Yomar Ortiz, Jr., getting reins up from trainer Lindsay Schultz. Second start’s a charm.
MR. ED’S SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 3,6/3,9. ($20)
Race 4 (2:38 p.m. ET/11:38 a.m. PT)
A mile test on the turf for 3YOs & up features 11 equine athletes, including three that make up Mr. Ed’s play. #8 SURPRISE ENDING (3-1 morning line), trained by the overdue Brendan Walsh features the return of Tyler Gaffalione as the coed shortens up following Summer vacation. Second choice is legitimate longshot #10 LADY SYBIL (20-1) for conditioner Tom Drury, who hires Edgar Morales to ride. To top off the ticket, Mr. Ed likes #11 DEFIANT LASS (5-2). Jose Ortiz is on board for all-time winningest trainer Steve Asmussen. Any two of three for the money.
MR. ED’S SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 8,10,11. ($30)
Race 6 (3:26 p.m. ET/12:26 p.m. PT)
Super-consistent #7 RATLEFF (6-1 morning line) is Mr. Ed’s pick in cheap maiden sprint. Shipping in from Prairie Meadows and cutting back to 6F, son of Richard’s Kid loves to get in the mix early and finish in the money. Capable of winning with speed figure of 80. Young Assael Espinoza rides for trainer Ruben Fuentes.
MR. ED’S SELECTION: $5 to Win & Place. ($10)
Race 8 (4:25 p.m. ET/1:25 p.m. PT)
Three appear to be best of these: #3 ROSE QUEST (6-1 morning line) for excellent, up-and-coming trainer Whit Beckman, who hires leading jockey Tyler Gaffalione to ride for second start while moving filly to dirt and removing blinkers; #4 SEATON SPRINGS (9-2) makes second start for veteran trainer Kenny McPeek and top rider Jose Ortiz. Turn back to sprint key to improved result; and #10 DISCHARGED (9-2) for trainer Doug O’Neill, who hires red-hot youngster Yomar Ortiz to ride.
MR. ED’S SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 3,4,10. ($30)
Race 10 (5:25 p.m. ET/2:25 p.m. PT)
Son of super-sire Uncle Moe, #8 FINAL RESORT (8-1 morning line) appears capable of springing an upset in deep allowance claimer at a mile on the turf. Guy looks to capitalize on the move to grass and the cutback in distance. Skillful veteran rider Rafael Bejarano is in the saddle for trainer Eoin Harty. This guy’s got what it takes.
MR. ED’S BEST BET: $10 to Win & Place. ($20).
TOTAL WAGERS: $110
