Keeneland Picks for Saturday, October 4:
HORSES TO WATCH (over Fall Stars Weekend): World Record, Doncho, Long Neck Paula, Vahva, Dynamic Pricing, Ted Noffey, Program Trading, Bobrovsky, Obliteration, Schwarzenegger, Thorpedo Anna and Final Score.
TRAINERS TO WATCH (during Keeneland meet): Steve Asmussen, Bob Baffert, Chad Brown, Mark Casse, Brad Cox, Danny Gargan, Mike Maker, Kenny McPeak, Bill Mott, Todd Pletcher, Al Stall, Jr., Joe Sharp, Rusty Arnold, Dallas Stewart, Brendan Walsh and Wesley Ward.
JOCKEYS TO WATCH (during Keeneland meet): Tyler Gaffalione, Jose & Irad Ortiz, Jr., Flavien Prat, Johnny Velasquez, Frankie Dettori, Victor Espinoza, Ben Curtis, Luis Saez and Emisael Jaramillo.
YESTERDAY’S NEWS: For those trying to get a feel for Keeneland, think of Augusta National. With a pair of lone exceptions, chalk ruled the Opening Day results. With three wins, Brendan Walsh topped all trainers with three wins, while jockeys Tyler Gaffalione and Luis Saez had two wins apiece. Mr. Ed avoided a shutout when his top pick Tommy Jo won the featured G1 Darley Alcibiades through disqualification. At the windows, the average $2 Win ticket returned $9.70. Excellent autumn weather is expected today in Lexington. Here are Mr. Ed’s picks.
Mr. Ed’s Picks at Keeneland for Saturday, October 4
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for 2YOs going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s first pick of the day is #6 OSCAR’S HOPE (7-5 morning line) for trainer Tom Amoss and jockey Jose Ortiz seeking a repeat of maiden win at Saratoga. Team hoping for trip to Breeders’ Cup in four weeks.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile on the turf
I like a trio: #4 MONTEREY BAY (8-1 morning line) stretches out for Wesley Ward as Victor Espinoza rides; #9 MONTADOR (9-2) with Cristian Torres aboard for Michael Stidham, and #10 TENACIOUS LEADER (7-2) for the talented Pletcher-Velasquez team. Any two will do.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $130K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going about 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes another three-bagger: #5 ROOKIE CARD (7-2 morning line) for excellent trainer Danny Gargan with Dylan Davis returning in the saddle; #6 TAP INTO THIS (3-1) for trainer Steve Asmussen with Flavien Prat riding, #7 ECHO AGAIN (9-5) gets top rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. for Norm Casse. Easy as 5,6,7.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $400K G2 WOODFORD STAKES for 3YOs & up going 5½ furlongs
My choice is highly regarded Irish invader #8 KHAADEM (4-1 morning line) for trainer Charlie Hills, who hires legendary Frankie Dettori to ride. Earner of more than $2 million, 9YO gelding is the class in a competitive field. The international team knows how to win.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($10)
Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $400K G2 THOROUGHBRED CLUB OF AMERICA STAKES for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
I refuse to give up on classy gal #7 ZEITLOS (9-2 morning line) with Flavien Prat returning to saddle. Trainer Asmussen hasn’t given up on coed either.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 7/2,4,5. ($30)
Races 8-11 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $1 Pick 4*
R8: 5,10,13
R9: 6
R10: 3,4,8,9
R11: 2,7,8 ($36)
*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) — $650K G1 CLAIBORNE FUTURITY for 2YOs going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed’s pick is favorite #6 TED NOFFEY (4-5 morning line). Perfect 2-2 youngster takes aim at Breeders’ Cup for powerful Pletcher-Velasquez team. Recent romp at Saratoga is evidence this guy can handle extra distance.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $30 to Win $ $4 Daily Double of 6&9.
Race 10 (5:48 p.m. ET/2:48 p.m. PT) — $1,250,000 G1 COOLMORE TURF MILE for 3YOs & up going a mile
Mr. Ed likes longshot #9 RHETORICAL (8-1 morning line) for youthful trainer Will Walden with top rider Irad Ortiz returning. Winner of four of five starts, son of Not This Time capable of big class jump.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $200
SUNDAY AT KEENELAND: To close out Fall Stars weekend, the 10-race card features the usual mix of competitive allowance and claiming contests as well as three stakes. Race 10, the $400K G2 CASTLE & KEY BOURBON for 2YOs closes out the program. Mr. Ed will return with his exclusive VSiN selections.
NFL (2-1)*
Baltimore Ravens +1.5
*(against the spread)
