Keeneland Picks for Friday, October 17:
HORSING AROUND: While no jockey or trainer had more than one appearance in the Winner’s Circle on Thursday, there were a couple of boxcar scores worth mentioning. Race 2, won by #7 Wrong Shoes and ridden by relatively unknown jockey Danilo Grisales Rave, paid $91.86 on a $2 Win ticket. And, Mr. Ed, a somewhat obscure VSiN handicapper, gifted readers a $390.55 Exacta Box on a $5 ticket in Race 5, immediately followed by picking three consecutive winners in Races 6-8. On to Friday. After spending hours handicapping today’s all but impossible 10-race card at Keeneland, Mr. Ed thought of a few constructive alternatives to playing the ponies today. If you have any, take them. The card is that tough. Here are some mundane household chores Mr. Ed considered: Taking out the trash, mowing the lawn, raking leaves, cleaning the cat litter box, etc. On second thought, the card is not that tough. Here are some plays Mr. Ed liked (before taking his afternoon siesta).
Mr. Ed’s Picks at Keeneland for Friday (10/17)
Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $50K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1⅛ mile
Mr. Ed takes a shot with #3 DARYL’S BOLT (12-1 morning line) for Joe Sharp’s barn with a huge rider upgrade to Jose Ortiz. Blinkers off as Sharp stretches the gelding out. Look for him in the deep stretch.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 to Win, Place & Show. ($15)
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $85K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going about 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes the favorite #7 PLAZA CUE (7-5 morning line) for trainer Kenny McPeek, who brings Irad Ortiz, Jr. back to ride following a Place effort at Churchill Downs. Daughter of Sky Mesa is a standout.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $58K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s choice is Irish-bred filly #5 LIKELY PERSPECTIVE (6-1 morning line) for trainer J.K. Sweezey, who hires young Ben Curtis to ride. Trainer adds blinkers and stretches the coed out following a claim from the Al Stall stable.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $78K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
My bet is on #2 CHACHING CHACHING (3-2 morning) for Eddie Kenneally, who brings Luis Saez back to ride after being dumped in last. Filly needs to break on top — may never look back.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) —$110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs going 5½ furlongs on the grass
Mr. Ed’s pick is #9 PARIS TWILIGHT (7-5 morning line), the favorite for Brendan Walsh’s outfit with Tyler Gaffalione on board. Coed shortens up after flashing early speed, but faded to finish 5th in debut. Expecting better today.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed likes three: #2 ABSOLUTE HONOR (5-2 morning line), trained by Saffie Joseph, Jr., with a big rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione; #5 DELICIOUS DIVA (9-2) for Kenny McPeek, and #7 ENDORSE (9-5) with Irad Ortiz returning to ride.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT) — $130K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs and up going 5½ furlongs on the turf
To close the card on a winning note, Mr. Ed likes a Daily Double with #3 BERGEN (3-1 morning line) for the team of trainer Joe Sharp with Luis Saez riding, and/or #10 ATTACHÉ (9-2) for trainer Chris Hartman with young rider Luan Machado in the saddle.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 3,10/6,10. ($20)
Race 10 (5:48 p.m. ET/2:48 p.m. PT) — $55K STARTER ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes either of two, #6 NATION (6-1 morning line) with Irad Ortiz, Jr., and #10 INCURSION (3-1) for trainer Mike Maker and Tyler Gaffalione up.
TOTAL WAGERS: $105
KEENELAND SERVES UP SATURDAY STAKES: The 10-course racing menu features a pair of excellent sprint stakes, the $350K G3 Perryville for 3YOs and the $400K G2 Raven Run for 3YO fillies. First post is set for 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT. Mr. Ed will be on hand with his exclusive VSiN selections.
