Churchill Downs Picks for May 25:
NO MORE FREE LUNCH: Years ago, but not too far away, Mr. Ed recalls visiting his fan-friendly OTB, located just south of Harrisburg, PA. Owned and operated by Philadelphia Park, the facility provided the lone simulcast signal from the home track. Parking was free. Programs, past performances and reserved seats were also free. And, once weekly, players received a coupon, good for a free hot dog and a non-alcoholic drink. Mr. Ed usually had $20 in his pocket for wagering. A few decades later, Mr. Ed discovered Saratoga Race Course each August in upstate New York, where grandstand admission was $7, parking was $5 and a dirty-water hot dog was a couple of bucks. Which brings us to Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day where a friend received parking, a program, a reserved seat, all the finger food he could eat and drinks (including alcohol) for $1,000! Not to be outdone, visitors on upcoming Belmont at Saratoga Day will pay $85 for admission alone. In Mr. Ed’s younger days this was known as highway robbery. Today, the corporate moguls who control much of racing, and Las Vegas, refer to it as the cost of doing business. THIS JUST IN: You can get a free shoe shine on the second floor of the Churchill Downs Clubhouse.
TRACKING MR. ED: The rains came early to Louisville, followed by the sun in the afternoon. But even before the first race was run and done, more than 30 horses had been scratched, several of them Mr. Ed’s selections. By the time the 10-race card was completed, four jockeys — young Danny Sheehy, journeyman Francisco Arriera and fan favorites Irad Ortiz Jr. and Tyler Gaffalione — each had a pair of trips to the Winner’s Circle. No trainer had more than a single score. The biggest highlight of the day was the $23,767 payoff for the late Pick 4. Looking at Memorial Day, while cloudy skies are expected, no rain is in the forecast. First post is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections.
Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks for Monday, 5/25
Race 1 (12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT) — $67K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes a pair to begin the card with a DD: #9 DONTWORRYBOUTNOTHN (2-1 morning line) for excellent trainer Wesley Ward with first-race apprentice Vimael Torres up, and #11 CAPTAIN GABE (7-2) for trainer Michael McCarthy with young Danny Sheehy riding.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 9,11/5,7 ($20)
Race 2 (1:14 p.m. ET/10:14 a.m. PT) — $120K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs going 5½ furlongs
Mr. Ed likes either of a pair to complete DD: #5 BOURBON TOWN (8-5 morning line) for trainer Rey Hernandez with jockey switch to Tyler Gaffalione, and #7 HEY TUFF GUY (3-1) with Mario Gutierrez riding for Brian Lynch. Take Mr. Ed to downtown B TOWN.
Race 3 (1:43 p.m. ET/10:43 a.m. PT) — $127K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 1⅜ mile on the grass
Mr. Ed’s betting on #7 PLAZA ANTHENEE (3-1 morning line) for excellent turf trainer Brendan Walsh with young Ben Curtis returning to saddle. British-born gal should benefit from added distance.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 5 (2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT) — $63K CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed’s pick is #2 ARTHUR’S COURT (5-1 morning line) for trainer Kinnon LaRose, gelding steps up after a four-length score at Oaklawn. Gets a big rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 6 (3:18 p.m. ET/12:18 p.m. PT) — $83K STARTER ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed believes filly #2 RATIONAL THEORY (5-2 morning line) finally figured out how to win in last, scoring by more than eight lengths at Oaklawn. Steve Asmussen trains, son Keith rides. Filly’s improving all the time.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 7 (3:50 p.m. ET/12:50 p.m. PT) — $76K CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going 6½ furlongs
Mr. Ed likes a trio: #2 CLOCKER SPECIAL (6-1 morning line) for always-tough trainer Rudy Brisset, who rehires Luan Machado to ride; #5 TAMINO (8-5) for Eddie Kenneally with young Ben Curtis riding, and #10 WEAREBACKYOUNGMAN (9-2) for Michael Maker with Tyler Gaffalione. Any two of three will do.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 8 (4:22 p.m. ET/1:22 p.m. PT) — $250K G3 WINNING COLORS STAKES for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s SPECIAL PLAY OF THE DAY is #3 ZEITLOS (8-1 morning line) who gets a new rider, Brian Hernandez, for Steve Asmussen. Hard-charging mare knows how to bank money ($1.35 million). If she can avoid trouble, she can recall how to win.
CHURCHILL DOWN SELECTION: $20 to Win & Place. ($40)
Race 9 (4:55 p.m. ET/1:55 p.m. PT) — $120K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile on the turf
Mr. Ed is counting on any two of three: #4 YOUR WILDEST DREAM (6-1), deep closer gets blinkers for Norm Casse and Ricardo Santana, Jr.; #6 LAHAINALUNA (9-2), and #8 ZIHNAL (7-2) for Jonathan Thomas with Victor Cheminaud in irons.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $170
