Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks for Friday, June 20:
TRACKING MR. ED: It’s back to Churchill Downs for today’s thoroughbred action. While first-class racing takes its annual six-week break between the end of the Triple Crown races and the beginning of Summer meets at Saratoga and Del Mar, finding quality race cards to handicap and bet can be an exercise in futility. This weekend is no exception. While Mr. Ed considered playing the Ohio Derby and the delayed Penn Mile, both with weak undercards, I just couldn’t take a step down to Thistledowns and Penn National. While Friday and Saturday racing at Churchill Downs is less than I had hoped for, it’s time to pony up and play. Here are Mr. Ed’s picks:
Mr. Ed’s Selections for Friday (06/20) at Churchill Downs
Race 1 (12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT) — $69K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 6½-furlongs
Mr. Ed likes a pair: #1 COMMANDED (5-2 morning line) for trainer Bret Calhoun, who brings back jockey Brian Hernandez to repeat last month’s winning effort; and #4 SABRINA (8-5), trained by popular Brendan Walsh, who rehires Edgar Morales to ride.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 1,4/4,6. ($20)
Race 2 (1:14 p.m. ET/10:14 a.m. PT) — $120K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs going 5 furlongs on the turf
I’m betting on either of these to complete the bet: #4 LONGSHOREMAN (6/5 morning line) with masterful Wesley Ward training and Walter Rodriguez riding, and #6 THEBABESLAYER (6-1) for the Asmussen family team of father Steve and son Keith in the saddle.
Race 3 (1:43 p.m. ET/10:43 a.m. PT) — $72K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
I like #7 RAVENS DREAM (8-5 morning line) for trainer Steve Asmussen who turns to top jock Luis Saez to break sprinter’s maiden on third try. The expensive colt must get involved early. Steelers nightmare.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (2:13 p.m. ET/11:13 a.m. PT) — $55K CLAIMING for 4YOs & up going a mile
Mr. Ed’s BEST BET OF THE DAY is #6 HEY BOSS (6-1 morning line) for new low-profile trainer Marcelino Salas and veteran rider Rafael Bejarano, seeking to repeat the winning effort of two weeks ago. Gelding says hay, boss!
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 5 (2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT) — $62K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 7 furlongs
Lots to like with #7 MOBSTER (8-5 morning line) as gelding seeks to break maiden for trainer Mark Casse while retaining jockey Florent Geroux. Expensive son of Uncle Mo turns back in distance, drops in class and returns to dirt.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 6 (3:18 p.m. ET/12:18 p.m. PT) — $127K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile on the turf
Mr. Ed’s betting on trio to win: #3 WARLANDER (6-1 morning line), trained by HOFer Steve Asmussen; #6 SEVEN WONDERS (6-5) for shipper Peter Eurton, and #7 PAPIAMENTO (4-1) for sharp conditioner Whit Beckman. Need two for the money.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 6 (3:18 p.m. PT/12:18 p.m. PT) — $1 Pick 4
R6: 3,6,7
R7: 4,5,6
R8: 4,6,10
R9: 8,9 ($54)
TOTAL WAGERS: $144
SATURDAY AT THE RACES: Mr. Ed will return to Churchill Downs for an 11-race card, featuring five allowances, three claiming contest and two maiden special weight events topped off by the $300K G2 CHICAGO STAKES for fillies and mares. Post time for Race 1 is 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT.
