Keeneland Picks for Friday, April 17:
JOCKEYING FOR LEADERSHIP: The battle for winningest jockey at the current Keeneland meet continued to heat up Thursday as three top riders accounted for wins of seven races. Leading the way was Irad Ortiz, Jr. with three scores, while Tyler Gaffalione and Luis Saez had a pair apiece. Meanwhile, not to be outdone, Mr. Ed had his best day of the meet by posting four winners on the VSiN website. Also, it should be noted that trainer Whit Beckman, a favorite of Mr. Ed’s, captured the finale with #4 Flying Mohawk, paying $24.28, with Gaffalione aboard. Looking ahead, Friday’s 10-race program is headlined by R10 $400K G2 DOUBLEDOGDARE stakes for fillies and mares. Let’s see if Irad Ortiz, Jr., Tyler Gaffalione and Mr. Ed can continue their winning ways. First post on Friday is 1:00 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.
Mr. Ed’s Keeneland Selections for Friday (4/17)
Race 1 — $55K MAIDEN CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed opens the day with a DD: In Leg 1, he likes #3 STARWOOD (2-1 morning line) shipping in from the West Coast for leading trainer Brad Cox with Irad Ortiz, Jr. in the saddle, and #4 BUCKEYE BOMBSHELL (7-5) for popular horseman Kenny McPeek, who recruits Jose Ortiz to ride.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Daily Double on 3,4/2,3 ($20)
Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $85K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 7 furlongs
To complete the DD, Mr. Ed likes either #2 HORSING AROUND (2-1 morning line) — no kidding! — for Saffie Joseph, Jr. with Tyler Gaffalione up, and #3 STARSHIP GODIVA (3-1) for young trainer Bill Walden and jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $140K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going 1 1/16-mile
Trainer Chad Brown sends out talented gal #3 SENZA PAROLE (7-2 morning line) for her fourth lifetime win from seven starts. Top jockey Flavien Prat rides. Commute her sentence.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT) — $85K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies, 3YOs & Up going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes a trio: #1 MIGHTY NORA (2-1 morning line) for savvy trainer Dallas Stewart with Jose Ortiz; #5 GOOD GRACES (5-1) with Johnny V. in irons, and #6 GRACE OF MONACO (7-2), FTS for Danny Gargan-Irad Ortiz, Jr. team. Looking for a mighty royal score.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 1,5,6. ($30)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & Up going 5½ furlongs on the turf
I’m betting on #9 LONGSHOREMAN (6-1 morning line) to drop anchor in the Winner’s Circle with Flavien Prat aboard. Capt. Wesley Ward picks up the check.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $150K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
My bet is that #2 BOLD JOURNEY (8-5 morning line) has just enough kick in the stretch to defeat the field of sprinters.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Races 7-10 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $1 Pick 4*
R7: 1,2
R8: 1,3,6,7,10
R9: 1,4,6
R10: 3,5,7 ($45)
*In the event of a scratch, the post-time favorite is the substitute pick.
Race 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT) — $400K G2 DOUBLEDOGDARE STAKES for fillies and mares, 4YOs going 1 1/16 miles
Mr. Ed has his money on three: #1 ALPINE PRINCESS (5-2 morning line) for Brad Cox and Irad Ortiz, Jr.; #4 GIN GIN (2-1) for sharp Brendan Walsh barn with Luis Saez, and #6 RUNNING AWAY (4-1) for Wesley Ward with Joel Rosario. Any two = WIN.
KEENLAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $165
