Keeneland Picks for Friday, October 10:
HORSING AROUND: Based on nothing other than today’s date, Mr. Ed, who believes in coincidence, can’t help but consider a wager on #10 UP THE CREEK (12-1 morning line) in Race 10. Impressive young rider Luan Machado climbs aboard the 4YO for under-the-radar trainer Ignacio Correas. Distance (6½ furlongs) suits closing style; coed has Win and Show finishes at Keeneland, and the filly is returning fresh following a Summer vacation. Put Mr. Ed down for a $10 across-the-board hunch bet (not to be confused with his expert selections below). Top jock, Jose Ortiz, had three winners Thursday. The average $2 Win ticket returned a juicy $13.90 as most favorites failed to show up in the Winner’s Circle. With sunny skies in the forecast, the first post today is 1:00 p.m. ET/10:10 PT. Here are Mr. Ed’s picks.
Mr. Ed’s Picks at Keeneland for Friday (10/10)
Race 1 — $50K STARTER ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Let’s play two. I like #2 LUDWIG (6-1 morning line) for trainer Norm Casse with huge rider change to hot Luis Saez. And, #5 SHAPE NOTE (5-2), who has been a winner over the track, for Mike Maker’s barn with a rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione.
KEENELAND SELECTION: Daily Double of 2,5/2,5. ($20)
Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $58K CLAIMING for 2YO fillies going 6 furlongs
Lightning strikes numbers twice (again a coincidence) as Mr. Ed likes #2 BLAZING FREEDOM (4-1 morning line), debut winner, for Brad Cox stable with Gaffalione riding, and #5 ASHKENAZI (7-2 morning line) with hot Luis Saez riding for Eddie Kenneally.
Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT) — $50K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 7 furlongs
I’m betting on three: #2 TRULY LEGIT (5-2 morning line) moves up in class for Michael Tomlinson with Tyler Gaffalione; #4 CALL THE CAVALRY (8-1) for Kenny McPeek and Emanuel Esquivel, and #6 BIG SALT LICK (4-1), 5YO son of Ghostzapper, for Hugo Andrade with Oscar Villarreal riding.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $51K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 6½ furlongs
Mr. Ed likes favorite #5 HURRICANE DEBBIE (2-1 morning line), with a win over the track, for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. and Irad Ortiz, Jr. returning to saddle. Debbie do right.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $26K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YO fillies going 6½ furlongs
Two of three top riders for the money: #3 STRUCK AT MIDNIGHT (9-2 morning line) with Jose Ortiz; #4 JUSTICE ADDITION (7-2) with Irad Ortiz, Jr., and upset-minded #8 QUEEN OF QUEENS (20-1) with Flavien Prat.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 1 3/16-miles on the turf
Mr. Ed likes a trio: #4 CHA CHA CHUKKA (6-1 morning line) for Mike Maker who switches riders to tip-top Irad Ortiz, Jr.; #6 HAY STACK (8-1) for solid trainer Whit Beckman and top rider Luis Saez, and #11 FLEETINGLY (9-2) for top combo of Chad Brown and Flavien Prat. Cha, Cha, Cha.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs going 1 1/16-mile
I’m betting on longshot #2 AMBASSADOR BLUE (8-1 morning line). It’s youngster’s third-time start for excellent trainer Danny Gargan, who brings Luis Saez back to ride, returns colt to dirt and stretches him out. Conditioner boasts 26% win rate with youngsters.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT) — $400K SYCAMORE STAKES for 3YOs & up going 1½ miles on the grass
Mr. Ed likes #9 GOLDENEYE (5-1 morning line) for Kenny McPeek with Irad Ortiz, Jr. and #11 ANGLOPHILE (8-1), trained by Brian Lynch and ridden by Luis Saez in the first leg of the late DD.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 9,11/1,4. ($20)
Race 10 (5:48 p.m. ET/2:48 p.m. PT) — $63K STARTER ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 6½ furlongs
To complete the DD and the card, I’ll take my chances with #1 ATARAH (3-1 morning line) for sharp NY conditioner Linda Rice with Flavien Prat, and #4 RISUKO (4-1) for trainer Carlos David and Irad Ortiz, Jr. Ride, Irad, ride!
TOTAL WAGERS: $170
SATURDAY AT KEENELAND: A 10-race program, offering an excellent mix of competitive maiden, claiming and allowances contests, is highlighted by the $800K G1 QUEEN ELIZABETH II CHALLENGE CUP. The 5-2 morning line favorite is the undefeated (5 for 5) Irish-bred 3YO filly #2 LAURELIN, trained by Graham Motion and ridden by NY-based jockey, smiling Kendrick Carmouche. Post time for the card is 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT. Mr. Ed will again offer his Keeneland picks here on VSiN.
