Churchill Downs Picks for June 20:
YESTERDAY’S NEWS YOU CAN USE: The chalk stole the show, just as Mr. had predicted. The average $2 Win ticket returned $7.20 as trainers Eddie Kenneally and Joe Sharp each had a pair of winners along with jockeys Irad Ortiz Jr. and Luis Saez. Mr. Ed’s big day was highlighted by his hitting both early and late DDs, but both for small sums. Hang in there, players — profitable days lie ahead for those who follow Mr. Ed’s posted plays.
HORSING AROUND: With U.S. Open Golf all day and twilight racing at Churchill Downs, Mr. Ed can find few reasons (beer, snacks, tacos, pizza) to leave the couch. As of this writing, the USGA course is getting the best of the pros. As for Saturday racing, Mr. Ed found several plays worth pursuing on the 10-race card from Louisville. With first post at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT., here are Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections for Saturday.
Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks for Saturday, 6/20
Race 1 — $134K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 5½ furlongs on the turf
Mr. Ed likes a pair in Leg 1 of the DD: #1 MURDOCK (7-2 morning line) for extra sharp trainer Larry Rivelli with Geraldo Corrales picking up ride, and #3 OUR STARRY NIGHT (3-1) for Phil Bauer with Luis Saez returning to ride.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 1,3/3,6. ($20)
Race 2 (6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT) — $120 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YO fillies going 5 furlongs
Mr. Ed is counting on #3 SUBLIMINAL (5-2 morning line) with Luis Saez riding for trainer John Ortiz, and #6 SHINOBU (10-1) for trainer Joe Sharp with Irad Ortiz, Jr. riding. If you can say their names one after another rapidly, UR a winner.
Race 3 (7:02 p.m. ET/4:02 p.m. PT) — $92K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 7½ furlongs
It’s no secret Mr. Ed likes trainer Whit Beckman. #2 SISTER JEAN (5-2 morning line) is just one of his promising coeds. Ricardo Santana rides. Look for her in the lane as she shortens up.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (7:32 p.m. ET/4:32 p.m. ET) — $62K for 3YOs & up going a mile on the turf
Mr. Ed likes a trio: #3 THE TOWN (4-1 morning line) for leading Brad Cox stable with top rider Irad Ortiz, Jr.; #11 KICKING CLEAR (3-1) for Brendan Walsh with promising young rider Ben Curtis, and also eligible #14 IRISH GENT (7-2) for low-profile conditioner Sandino Hernandez with hot jockey Francisco Arrieta (hope colt draws into field).
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 6 (8:39 p.m. ET/5:39 p.m. PT) — $69K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1 1/16 mile on the grass
Mr. Ed’s pick is newly gelded #10 STAKEHOLDER (7-2 morning line) on drop for popular trainer Ian Wilkes, who retains regular rider Brian Hernandez, Jr. Choice improves with every race.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 7 (9:12 p.m. ET/6:12 p.m. PT) — $1 Pick 3
R7: 3,5,9
R8: 1,4,6,11
R9: 2,4,5,8 ($48)
Race 9 (10:14 p.m. ET/7:14 p.m. PT) — $300K G2 CHICAGO STAKES for fillies and mares, 4YOs & up going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #2 ECLATANT (6-5 morning line), who takes a step down after speedy Grade 1 win in April, for the team of Brad Cox and Irad Ortiz, Jr. Mr. Ed won’t count out classy #4 ZEITLOS (10-1), #5 USHA (3-1), and #8 FOIE GRAS (6-1).
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 2/4,5,8. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $148
