Keeneland Picks for Friday, April 10:
RIGHT AT HOME IN BLUEGRASS STATE: The Kentucky air evidently improved Mr. Ed’s handicapping skills as he cashed a few tickets. Other than that, the card was mostly formful until the last race super-bomb had most fans heading for the traffic jam on Versailles Road, after tearing up their losing tickets. Up until the Race 9 explosion, the average $2 Win ticket returned slightly more than 5-1. No jockey or trainer was able to chalk up more than a single winner. Then, jockey Gabriel Saez (bro of Luis), riding for veteran trainer Eric Foster, booted home #10 CAROL’S MELODY, paying $173.40 for a deuce. The lone winner within earshot was a girl named, what else, Carol. Turning the page to Friday’s action, the spotlight will be on those competing in the $400 Keeneland Betting Challenge (including Mr. Ed) and Race 9, Grade 1 $650K Maker’s Mark Mile. First race post is 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. Forecast: Sunny, firm & fast. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s best plays.
Mr. Ed’s Keeneland Selections for Friday (4/10)
Race 1 — $63K CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes two: #2 TRACK RANGER (9-2 morning line) for veteran NY-based trainer David Jacobson with Tyler Gaffalione, who had a winner Thursday and looks ready to break out of his recent slump, and #7 CURAHEE (6-5 morning line) for trainer Joe Sharp with Jose Ortiz aboard.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 2,7 /5,12 ($20)
Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $48K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going 7 furlongs
My picks are the #5 TWENTY TWO BLACK (2-1 morning line) for local top trainer Kenny McPeek, Mr. Ed’s willing to eat a little chalk, and #12 HE’S ALL HEART (9-2) for trainer Mike Maker.
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile on grass
Mr. has another chalky pick. Just can’t help himself. He likes shipper from Fairgrounds #1 TOUCH OF FIRE (9-5 morning line) for excellent trainer Brad Cox with top jock Irad Ortiz Jr. In ideal spot to break his maiden.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT) — $58K CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed likes a trio: #1 HOT PROPERTY (7-2 morning line), again for Brad Cox and Irad Ortiz Jr.; #4 MAXIMUM PROMISE (8-5) for Kenny McPeek’s local outfit, and #5 SOUND CAUSE (12-1) with Gaffalione riding for HOF trainer Steve Asmussen.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 a.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
I like #3 PUTEKETEKE (2-1 morning line) for trainer Mike Miller with top jock Flavien Prat. Tough to overlook teaming of high percentage guys who know their way around a racetrack.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $350K G3 LIMESTONE STAKES for 3YO fillies going 5½ furlongs on the grass
Mr. Ed likes three: #8 LENNILU (9-2 morning line) for trainer Patrick Biacone with Luis Saez; #9 CY FAIR (9-5) & #10 SNOW FACE PRINCESS (6-1). Three talented teams.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT) — $650K G1 MAKERS MARK MILE for 4YOs & Up
Mr. Ed’s betting on a pair: #1 RHETORICAL (7-2 morning line) for Will Walden training and Irad Ortiz in the saddle, and he’ll take a shot with #5 AOMORI CITY (20-1) for Charlie Appleby, who brings European jockey along for the ride.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 Daily Double, 1&2 and $5 Double of 5&2. ($15)
Race 10 (5:48 p.m. ET/2:48 p.m. PT) — $55K CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going 6 ½ furlongs
Mr. Ed’s a fan of developing trainer Whit Beckman. But he has trouble with his name. Mr. Ed has two grandsons, Beck and Quin, but no Whit. Who gives a Whit? I like Beckman’s #2 CHAPPELLE (5-2 morning line) — and Mr. Ed’s no comic.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place.
TOTAL WAGERS: $155
(Note: Mr. Ed will return tomorrow with his exclusive VSiN plays for Saturday’s stakes-laden card. Good luck from Kentucky).
