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Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks for Sunday, June 1:
TRACKING MR. ED: Racing on Steven Foster Preview Day at Churchill Downs produced thoroughbred and wagering thrills from start to finish. Highlights included: 2024 Kentucky Derby champion Mystik Dan winning the featured Blame Stakes; five double-digit (on $2 win ticket) winners, including a $68 score by Durante, ridden by popular Jose Ortiz in Race 6; three winners piloted by his brother Irad, two victories by HOF trainer Bill Mott. And, when all was said and run, Mr. Ed posted his second Pick 4 of the year, which, aided by several scratches, more than balanced his VSiN racing books for the year. That was yesterday. Here’s a look at today’s picks.
Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks for Sunday, June 1
Race 1 (12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT) — $57K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 5½ furlongs
Mr. Ed likes a pair #6 REDEPOSIT (5-2 morning line) for veteran trainer Greg Foley who, in an effort to break colt’s maiden, hires top rider Irad Ortiz to get job done; and #8 INCURSION (9-2) for tough team of jockey Ricardo Santana and trainer Mike Maker. Colt returns to dirt after unsuccessful 7-furlong turf try.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 6,8/1,2. ($20)
Race 2 (1:14 p.m. ET/10:14 a.m. PT) — $57K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
I’m counting on either of two to complete Daily Double: #1 STORM THE STREETS (4-1 morning line), for trainer Ian Wilkes and jockey Brian Hernandez to repeat last; and #2 GOLD SEARCH for trainer Greg Foley, who aims to win both legs of Daily Double. Luis Saez rides.
Race 4 (2:13 p.m. ET/11:13 a.m. PT) — $120K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs going 5½ furlongs
When Brad Cox and Florent Geroux team up with a first-time youngster, Mr. Ed has their number, #4 CANNONEER (2-1 morning line), the expensive son of super sire Into Mischief. Quick works indicate he’s ready to sprint away from field.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $10 to Win & $10 Daily Double of 4&6. ($20)
Race 5 (2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT) — $57K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs going a mile
Mr. Ed likes #6 SPURGEON (7-2 morning line), who is way overdue for trainer Kenny McPeak. Blinkers off, while Brian Hernandez retains ride. I’m splurging on this maiden.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 6 (3:18 p.m. ET/12:18 p.m. PT) — $127K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going a mile on the turf
Three appeal to Mr. Ed: #3 BROWN LIQUOR MAN (15-1 morning line) for excellent Joe Sharp barn; #7 MULTITASK (9-2), blinkers off for Eoin Harty 4YO, and #11 WARHOL (10-1) for improving team of Whit Beckman and Ben Curtis. Mr. Ed can multitask: Sip bourbon, handicap and watch two races on TV at the same time.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Races 7-10 (3:50 p.m. ET/12:50 p.m. PT) — $.50 Pick 4
R7: 4,6,7
R8: 1,3,10
R9: 1,2,8,10
R10: 4,8,9 ($54)
Race 8 (4:22 p.m. ET/1:22 p.m. PT) — $127K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed’s BEST BET OF THE DAY is #1 HYPNUS (5-2 morning line), for Kenny McPeak and Brian Hernandez, should benefit from inside post. I’ll use him with #3 SHANGRALA ROAD (9-2), and #10 VARNEY (5-1).
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $10 to Win & $5 Exacta Box of 1 with 3,10. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $174
BELMONT STAKES POSSIBLE STARTERS & RIDERS
- BAEZA/Flavien Prat
- CRUDO/tba
- GRANDE/Johnny Valezquez
- HEART OF HONOR/Saffie Osborne
- HILL ROAD/tba
- JOURNALISM/Umberto Rispoli
- RODRIGUEZ/Mike Smith
- SOVEREIGNTY/Junior Alvarado
- UNCAGED/Luis Saez
- FINAL GAMBIT/Luan Machado
(Official post position drawing is on Monday, June 2. Race to be run at Saratoga on Saturday, June 7, as the finale of the five-day Saratoga Racing Festival.)
NOTE: Mr. Ed will return with his exclusive VSiN Saratoga selections on Wednesday.
