Keeneland Picks for Saturday, April 4:
SO, MR. ED, WHO’S GOING TO WIN THE DERBY?
Mr. Ed knows a sure sign that Spring is in the air. It’s when folks he hasn’t heard from in a year begin calling, texting and emailing. All ask the same question: Who’s going to win the Derby? It’s the price one pays for being thought of as a tout. Before answering their inquiry, I correct them, insisting that I’m a turfwriter. “OK. Call yourself whatever you want, Mr. Tout. Just answer my question.” I’m tempted to answer, “How the Hell would I know!” But I refrain from being a smartass and respond, “I’m working on it. I’ll get back to you closer to race time.” Same to all you VSiN followers. In case you’re interested, here are a few of the folks Mr. Ed hears from: A state attorney general, a secretary of state, both my brothers, a pastor, bartenders, a butcher, a reporter, an editor, a baker, but no candlestick maker (as yet). So, Mr. Ed, who DO you think will win the Derby? Let’s wait another few weeks until the field is set. Till then, Mr. Ed will keep doing his homework so you don’t have to.
SATURDAY AT KEENELAND: It’s Blue Grass Stakes Day! In addition to the traditional Kentucky Derby prep, the loaded-with-class 11-race card includes four other highly competitive contests. Post time for the Blue Grass is 6:22 p.m. ET/3:22 p.m. PT. First race goes to post at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. Here’s a rundown of Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSIN picks.
Mr. Ed’s Selections for Keeneland, Saturday (4/04)
Race 1 — $120K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile
In the first leg of the early DD, Mr. Ed likes a pair: #2 THAILAND (2-1 morning line) for classy duo of Wes Ward and Flavien Prat. Expensive colt improving with every start. And, #6 GETHSEMANE (3-1) for equally classy pairing of Brad Cox-Irad Ortiz, Jr. Latter looking to repeat maiden victory.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 2,6/4,7. ($20)
Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs going 6½ furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #4 DEEP FLAME (2-1 morning line) for the popular combo of Brad Cox and Irad Ortiz, Jr., and expensive #7 GILDED BANDIT (4-1) making second start for HOFer Bill Mott and jockey Junior Alvarado. Blinkers added to sharpen the colt’s focus.
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YO fillies going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s PLAY OF THE DAY is #8 SOLEMN VOW (8-1 morning line) for sharp KY trainer Al Stall with Tyler Gaffalione returning to ride. Constitution offspring drops to a more competitive level. Mr. Ed pledges his allegiance.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win, $10 to Place. ($20)
Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YO fillies going 1 1/16-mile on the turf
Mr. Ed likes three for the money: #2 HONFLEUR (3-1 morning line) for super trainer Chad Brown with rider change to Flavien Prat; #4 CALL ON ME (5-1) for Luis Saez, who got the call from Rusty Arnold, and #10 DYNA (4-1) for Canadian trainer Kevin Attard with Jose Ortiz riding. Any two will do. (Keep an eye on #13 TWIRLING DAISY if she gets in. If one of the picks scratch, use her).
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 2,4,10. ($30)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $130K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going about 7 furlongs
I like chalky choice of #10 PRAETOR (8-5 morning line). Chad Brown trains. Flavien Prat rides. Mr. Ed scores.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $350K G3 COMMONWEALTH STAKES for 4YOs & Up going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s pick is super classy #7 SAUDI CROWN (8-5 morning line) trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Flavien Prat. Gelding is a top performer regardless of conditions and competition. The leader of this pack.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $500K G2 APPALACHIAN STAKES for 3YO fillies going a mile on the grass
Mr. Ed is betting on precocious #10 IMAGINATIONTHELADY (7-2 morning line) to improve her record to 3 of 4. Gal is in deep here, but appears ready to beat all others to the wire.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT) — $650K G1 MADISON STAKES for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going 7 furlongs
My pick is #1 ECLATANT (4-1 morning line) for the loaded Brad Cox barn. Filly looks super tough from the rail with crafty Irad Ortiz, Jr. This gal is a speedball.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 11 (6:22 p.m. ET/3:22 p.m. PT) $1.25M G1 BLUE GRASS STAKES for 3YOs going 1⅛-mile
Last of the big Kentucky Derby preps features several serious win candidates. Mr. Ed picks #2 CLASS PRESIDENT (7-2 morning line) with Johnny Velazquez over-and-under a pair of speedy competitors. Welcome to the Derby field, Mr. President.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win & $5 Exacta Boxes of 2/4,6. ($40)
TOTAL WAGERS: $170
SATURDAY AT THE BIG A: It’s Wood Memorial Day! In addition to the big Kentucky Derby prep, the 12-race card includes four additional stakes. Be sure to check out Mr. Ed’s exclusive picks nearby in the VSiN Horse Racing section.
