Keeneland Picks for Sunday, October 12:

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TRACKING MR. ED: British-bred 1-LUSH LIPS defeated an all-star international field in capturing the G1 Queen Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Keeneland on Saturday. The 3YO filly was trained by Brendan Walsh and ridden by Tyler Gaffalione. Looking at the day’s other results, Irad Ortiz Jr. led all jockeys and trainers with three victories. The average $2 Win ticket returned a somewhat chalky $11. Looking ahead to Sunday’s nine-race card, the feature is the R7 FRANKLIN STAKES, a sprint for fillies and mares. Showers are in the forecast with the first post at 1:00 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN Keeneland selections.

Mr. Ed’s Picks at Keeneland for Sunday (10/12)

 

Race 1 — $63K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile
Here’s a Daily Double to start the card: #3 DARK DAHLIA (4-1 morning line) for the Norm Casse barn with a rider upgrade to Jose Ortiz, and #5 UP ON THE EDGE (3-1) for trainer Matt Shirer (winner of two of three at the meet), who hires Luis Saez to ride. 
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 3,5/4,7 ($20)

Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/9:32 a.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs going 5½ furlongs on the turf
To complete the DD, Mr. Ed likes #4 THAILAND (3-1 morning line), $900,000 first-time starter for Wesley Ward, who specializes in developing youngsters, with Jose Ortiz on board, and #5 WEXFORD ONE (7-2) for the Mike Maker barn with brother Irad Ortiz in the irons. Either of these will seal the deal.

Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $130K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs and up going 1½ miles on the grass
Mr. Ed’s betting on a trio: #3 EL REZEEN (9-5 morning line) for Todd Pletcher with top rider Irad Ortiz, Jr.; #5 COMMON DEFENSE (4-1) for the team of Kenny McPeek and Jose Ortiz, and #6 MUTAAWID (10-1) for NY jockey Kendrick Carmouche and trainer Mike Maker. Any two will do.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)

Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
My money is on #2 AMERICAN PEARL (3-1 morning line) for excellent young trainer Wil Walden, who hires top rider Tyler Gaffalione to guide FTS to win at first asking.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)

Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $400K FRANKLIN STAKES for fillies and mares, 3 YOs & up going 5½ furlongs on the turf
Mr. Ed will take a shot on #5 PIPSY (5-1 morning line), who beat me out of a Pick 4 at Saratoga this summer. I won’t allow that to happen again. I’m on 4YO Irish-bred coed today!
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)

Races 7-9 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $1 Pick 3
R7: 5,7,9
R8: 5,8,9,12
R9: 3,4,5 ($36)

TOTAL WAGERS: $126

YOU CAN SAY THAT AGAIN: Mr. Ed read an interview with recently “retired”  horseplayer Mattress Mack, who offered his secret for success: “Early to bed, early to rise, work hard and advertise.” Mr. Ed missed that boat.

NFL PICK (2-2)*
ARIZONA CARDINALS +7
*(against the spread)