Churchill Downs Picks for November 7:
YESTERDAY’S NEWS: 17YO apprentice jockey Yomar Ortiz Jr. stole to show at Churchill Downs as he booted home three winners, including the late Daily Double for Mr. Ed, and the final leg of his late Pick 4 Bonus Bet. Veteran rider Tyler Gaffalione also had a pair of trips to the Winner’s Circle.
Races 1&2 (1:00 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT)
There’s nothing like a winning Daily Double to kick-start the day and begin to build the bankroll. In the first leg, 4-ANTRAX (9-5 morning line) is an attractive favorite for trainer J. K. Sweezy, who rehires overdue rider Edgar Morales. Drops off solid effort in last at Keeneland. In second leg, look for 1-DIVERSIFICATION (3-1) with big rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione at reduced price. Expensive gelding will benefit from inside post for deep Chad Brown outfit.
MR. ED’S SELECTION: $10 Daily Double of 4/1. ($10)
Race 4 (2:28 p.m. ET/11:28 a.m. PT)
Trainer Joe Sharp hires young hotshot jock Yomar Ortiz, Jr. to ride 5-QUEEN OF QUEENS (5-2 morning line), speedy daughter of Practical Joke. Generous apprentice weight allowance and cutback to 6 furlongs put filly near front early.
MR. ED’S SELECTION: $5 to Win & Place. ($10)
Race 5 (2:57 p.m. ET/11:57 a.m. PT)
Here’s a trio worth a wager: 3-NEW PURPOSE (8-1 morning line) for excellent trainer Brad Cox who sends daughter of American Pharoah out for third start while stretching out. With her goes 9-MAKE IT SKATE (6-1) for trainer Brendan Walsh with Tyler Gaffalione returning to saddle. Rounding out the three is longshot 11-DENOS GRACE (30-1) for up-and-coming Whit Beckman barn with promising rider Jarad Loveberry. Two of three for the money.
MR. ED’S SELECTION: $2 Exact Box of 3,9,11. ($12)
Race 9 (4:55 p.m. ET/1:55 p.m. PT)
Trainer Al Stall, Jr, sends out pricy 12-BLAME TO FLAME (10-1 morning line) with Axel Concepcion returning to ride. Barn excels with second-time starters and there’s no reason for this filly to disappoint. Watch toteboard for wagering interest.
MR. ED’S SELECTION: $5 to Win & Place. ($10)
Race 10 (5:25 p.m. ET/2:25 p.m. PT) — $300K BET ON SUNSHINE STAKES
Steve Asmussen saddles 7-OBLITERATION (7-2 morning line) for 14th start of his sophomore campaign with sharp Luis Saez riding. Winner of more than $1.1 million vs. top-notch company, rounding into form for upcoming 4YO season. He won previously at Churchill in 2YO sprint. Class drop and cutback keys to victory.
MR. ED’S BEST BET OF THE DAY: $20 to Win. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $62
