Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks:
There is a five-week gap between the end of Labor Day picnics-and-ponies days at Saratoga and the first weekend in October, start of the always-challenging, first-class Keeneland autumn meet. During this period, quality racing east of the Mississippi, with a few exceptions, goes on vacation. As evidence of this near vacuum, I offer today’s 10-race card slim pickings at Churchill Downs — five maiden contests, three cheap claimers and two weak allowances. Mr. Ed was hard pressed to fill his dance card with playable races. But where there’s an opportunity to handicap and wager, you’ll find Mr. Ed (see his selections below). An oasis in this desert of dull racing is Saturday’s stakes-rich program at Parx Racing in Philadelphia. Some of the game’s top thoroughbreds, riders and trainers will compete for more than $3 million in purses, highlighted by two win-and-you’re-in trips to the Breeders’s Cup Championships at Del Mar on November 1&2. I’ll be offering a full slate of Parx picks tomorrow. As for today at Churchill, post time for the first race is 12:35 p.m. ET/9:35 a.m. PT. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s selections.
Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks for Friday, September 20
Races 1&2 (12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT) — $58K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed likes #4 SEVEN TAYLORS (2-1 morning line) to capture first leg of the Daily Double. Trained by Michael Tomlinson, son of Upstart will be ridden again by Jaime Torres. Slight turnback in distance and class drop keys to success.
CHURCHILL DOWNS PICK: $10 to Win & $10 Daily Double of 4 & 2. ($20)
Race 2 (1:14 p.m. ET/10:14 a.m. PT) — $52K STARTER ALLOWANCE for 3YO & up fillies & mares going 6 furlongs
I like #2 SUMMER OF MISCHIEF (5-2 morning line) for no-nonsense trainer Brad Cox who hires journeyman jock Florent Geroux to ride. Cox reclaimed mare for $20K and moves her up to allowance. Consistent sort should handle weak field. After all, it’s still summertime.
Race 3 (1:43 p.m. ET/10:43 a.m. PT) — $50K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 2YOs going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed thinks it’s as easy as 1,2,3. He likes #1 BORROWED TIME (5-2 morning line) for Rodolphe Brisset’s stable; #2 BLAKE JAMES (7-2) for Dale Romans’ barn, and #3 BEIJING BOSS (3-1) for John Ennis’ outfit.
CHURCHILL DOWNS PICK: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 7 (3:50 p.m. ET/12:50 p.m. PT) — $120K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YO fillies going 6 ½ furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #10 BEING MYSELF (8-1 morning line). Daughter of Curlin is a legitimate longshot for talented Cherie DeVaux, who attracts Jose Ortiz to ride. Excellent works point to favorable outcome. All this filly needs is to be herself.
CHURCHILL DOWNS PICK: $5 Win, Place & Show. ($15)
Races 8-10 (4:22 p.m. ET/1:22 p.m. PT) — $1 PICK 3
R8: 4,8,9
R9: 2,5,6,9
R10: 3,7,9 ($36)
Race 10 (5:25 p.m. ET/2:25 p.m. PT) — $60K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 7 furlongs
To round out the day, Mr. Ed likes #3 MOBSTER (3-1 morning line) for sharp HOF trainer Mark Casse. Seasoned pro drops into claiming ranks and gets huge rider upgrade to Jose Ortiz. Cutback to 7 furlongs suits colt’s running style. Goodfella steals this race.
CHURCHILL DOWNS PICK: $10 to Win & $5 Exacta Box with 7,9. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $131
SPOT PLAYS:
Presque Isle
R7 $150K Mile Stakes
#5 K.C. CHIEF (6-1)
Presque Isle
R9 G2 $300K Masters Stakes
#2 ROSES FOR DEBRA (9-5)
MR. ED ON SATURDAY: Look for his exclusive VSiN picks for stakes-rich, 14-race PARX card.
