Churchill Downs Picks for November 14:
YESTERDAY’S SNOOZE: While Mr. Ed mentioned a few winners, unfortunately they failed to earn any return as they were only a part of exotic bets. Several jockeys, including hot-shot Yomar Ortiz Jr., as well as Jamie Torres, overdue Edgar Morales, Tyler Gaffalione, Luis Saez and young Keith Asmussen, all had winners. Meanwhile, it’s on to Saturday for a veritable bonanza of Kentucky-bred claimers.
Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks for Saturday (11/14)
Races 3 & 4 (1:58 p.m. ET/10:58 a.m. PT) — $300K DREAM SUPREME STAKES
In Leg 1 of DD, excellent trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. draws inside posts with #1 MYSTIC LAKE (4-1 morning line) with jockey Tyler Gaffalione and #2 HAULIN ICE (3-1) with Francisco Arrieta named to ride. Both choices are millionaires having earned their fortunes facing top sprinters from the Northeast to California and several ovals in between. Either is capable of wiring R3 field. To complete the daily double, in the Race 4 starter allowance, Mr. Ed likes either #1 SWIRVIN (9-2), again for the Joseph-Gaffalione team, or #4 KERNESS K (3-1) for trainer Janie Ness and jockey Martin Chuan. The former has won 9 of 16 while the latter has captured 14 of 22.
MR. ED’S SELECTION: $5 DAILY DOUBLE OF 1,2&1,4. ($20)
Race 5 (2:57 p.m. ET/11:57 a.m. PT) — $150K STARTER ALLOWANCE
Mr. Ed likes three: #1 SMILING ELLIE (9-2 morning line), daughter of Midshipman, for the Mark Casse barn with Luis Saez in saddle; #5 NERAZURRI (4-5) moving from dirt to turf, also for Casse with Jose Ortiz up; and longshot #8 GOATS ON A TREE (8-1) with Tyler Gaffalione riding for trainer Kinnon LaRose.
MR. ED’S SELECTION: $5 EXACTA BOX of 1,5,8. ($30)
Race 7 (3:55 p.m. ET/12:55 p.m. PT) — $100K STARTER ALLOWANCE
#3 COWBOY MIKE (3-1 morning line), stretching out following 7F romp at Parx, should handle the extra distance with ease. Trained by Ernesto Padilla–Preciado, journeyman jock Ruben Silvera returns. Gelding is on top of his game.
MR. ED’S SELECTION: $10 to WIN. ($10).
Race 8 (4:25 p.m. ET/1:25 p.m. PT) — $100K STARTER ALLOWANCE
Winner of three consecutive sprints, #3 TALKIN IN CURSIVE (5-2 morning line) is standout choice for trainer Matt Shirer with excellent rider Jaime Torres, who is having a meet-of-a-career. It’s the right combination to win again.
MR. ED’S SELECTION: $10 to WIN & PLACE. ($20)
Race 9 (4:55 p.m. ET/1:55 p.m. PT) —$150K STARTER ALLOWANCE
The Best Bet of the Day is #4 ARTEMUS CITYLIMITS (8-1 morning line). Joe Sharp takes over training duties as ageless (9YO) gelding returns to U.S. following excellent Canadian campaign. Sharp’s go-to young (17YO) jockey Yomar Ortiz jr. climbs aboard. Speedball poised to win 12th sprint. Use #11 PROPRIETARY NOTE (6-1) with Gaffalione and #12 INITIALIZE (7-2) with Jaime Torres, together, and top and bottom win choice.
MR. ED’S SELECTIONS: $20 to WIN & $5 EXACTA BOXES. ($50)
SATURDAY SPECIAL: $.50 Pick 4 (Races 9-12)
R9: 4,11,12
R10: 1,3,8,13
R11: 1,3,7
R12: 1,2 ($36)
TOTAL WAGERS: $166
