Keeneland Picks for Saturday, October 25:
TRACKING MR. ED: Three excellent riders shared the spotlight on the penultimate day of racing at Keeneland’s FallStars autumn meet. Tyler Gaffalione, Flavien Prat and Irad Ortiz, Jr. each won a pair. No trainer had more than one trip to the Winner’s Circle. After all was said and run, Mr. Ed had a few winners as well. At the windows, the average $2 Win ticket returned $14.44. Moving on to Saturday, the outstanding card, featuring three stakes and several other competitive contests, goes to post at 1 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT. Clear weather is expected. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections.
Mr. Ed’s picks at Keeneland for Saturday (10/25)
Race 1 (1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT) — $72K CLAIMING for 3YOs going 6½ furlongs
Here’s Mr. Ed’s early Daily Double: #6 MERCY WARREN (7-2 morning line) for lukewarm Joe Sharp barn, who brings Tyler Gaffalione back to ride. Excellent recent speed figures. And #10 COLONIAL ROSE (5-2) for trainer Norm Casse, who retains Jose Ortiz. Has a win over the track.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 6,10/8,10. ($20)
Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs going 1⅛ mile on the grass
To complete the winning wager, Mr. Ed likes a pair of Brendan Walsh runners: #8 IRISH LAW (4-1 morning line) with popular jock Favien Prat; and #10 MAGINNESONTOP (5-2) with Tyler Gaffalione in the saddle. Walsh barn winning at 24% clip.
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $140K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile
I’m betting on #1 NEON ICON (7-2 morning line) for Rusty Arnold with Axel Concepcion riding to benefit from the inside draw. Filly has a pair of wins over the track.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs going a mile on the turf
Mr. Ed’s LONGSHOT PLAY OF THE DAY is #11 TIMING DIFFERENCE (20-1 morning line) for low-profile trainer Brian Knippenberg with promising young rider Luan Machado returning after a Show finish at Churchill. Stretchout is the key to upset victory.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 to Win, Place & Show. ($15)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $250K BOWMAN MILL STAKES for 2YOs going 6 furlongs
When Mr. Ed gets a chance to bet a maiden in a stakes, he climbs aboard. Winless #6 GALLIVANT (7-2 morning line) gave way in debut for a Show finish. I trust trainer Ben Colebook and jockey Luan Machado have been building the horse’s stamina.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $130K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YO fillies going 1⅛-mile
Mr. Ed likes three for the money: #1 QUICKICK (3-1 morning line) with first-time Lasix for popular trainer Tom Amoss, who brings back pilot Flavien Prat, #6 PARIS LILY (2-1) for hot Brendan Walsh with rider upgrade to Irad Ortiz, Jr., and #8 YES IT TIZ (7-2) for tip-top trainer Brad Cox with regular rider Florent Geroux.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $600K G3 BRYAN STATION STAKES for 3 YOs going a mile on the turf
In a deep, difficult field to figure, Mr. Ed likes #11 PLENSA (5-1 morning line) on turnback for Rusty Arnold with Florent Geroux in the irons. Deep closer is my choice.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Races 8-10 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $1 PICK 3
R8: 4,5,10,11
R9: 2,3,10
R10: 1,6,8 ($36)
Race 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT) — $350K G3 HAGYARD FAYETTE STAKES for 3YOs & up going 1⅛-mile
In the FallStars meet stakes finale, Mr. Ed likes three: #2 HONOR MARIE (20-1 morning line), KD veteran for Whit Beckman and talented young rider Ben Curtis; #3 BRACKET BUSTER (3-1) with veteran HOF jockey Johnny Velazquez; and #10 GOSGER (9-2) for red hot trainer Brendan Walsh with Luis Saez.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $176
ON TO THE BREEDERS’ CUP: Where the turf meets the surf at Old Del Mar (CA), 14 World Championship races over two days, Friday (October 31) & Saturday (November 1). Look for Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections.
NFL PICK OF WEEK (4-2)*
CINCINNATI BENGALS -6.5
*(against the spread)
