Keeneland Picks for Sunday, October 19:
TRACKING MR. ED: Another program of quality racing at Keeneland is in the books. Chalk took a vacation again as the average $2 Win ticket, spread over the 10-race card, returned $24.10. While no trainer was able to cash more than a single Win ticket, two jockeys, HOFer Johnny Velazquez and the talented Luis Saez, each recorded a pair of victories. With only five race days remaining in the all-too-brief FallStars meet, this week’s Sunday, Wednesday-Saturday racing days promise plenty of quality thoroughbred action. Looking ahead to Sunday, the 10-race program consists of a balanced menu of allowance, claiming and maiden contests. Unfortunately, after a week’s worth of nothing but sunshine, showers are in the forecast for today. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN Keeneland Selections.
Mr. Ed’s Picks at Keeneland for Sunday (10/19)
Race 1 (1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT) — $51K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed begins the day with a DD: #6 EMBER (8-1 morning line) takes a step up after a Place finish against softer at Churchill, and #8 C F V BULLET (8-5), big favorite ships in after a successful Hawthorne meet, gets rider upgrade to Saez.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 6,8/5,6. ($20)
Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $48K MAIDEN CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 7 furlongs
To successfully complete the DD, I like: #5 COUNTRY CLUB (9-2 morning line) with under-rated rider Edgar Morales, drops in class, shortens up; and #6 SMOKIN HOT WIFE (3-1), also drops, switches rider to Irad Ortiz, Jr. for Kenny McPeek.
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $63K STARTER ALLOWANCE for 2YO fillies going 6½ furlongs
Mr. Ed likes three: #5 SUGAREE (3-1 morning line) for Kenny McPeek and Irad Ortiz, Jr. (again); #8 PEACH TIE (9-2) for excellent trainer Brittany Russell and Luis Saez, and #9 VALALA (8-1) for Joe Sharp and Jose Ortiz. Any two will do.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs going 1 1/16-mile on the turf
I’ll take a shot with #14 KILO TANGO (5-2 morning line). First-time starter is also eligible for top trainer Brad Cox and has been steadily working at Churchill for debut. Irad takes the mount. If the colt races, he’ll dance his way to score from outside.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $50K STARTER ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going 1⅛-mile
Mr. Ed likes another threesome: #4 MY NOBLE NIGHT (3-1 morning line), going longer for trainer Tom Amoss, who brings Jose Ortiz back to ride; #8 HEY BOSS (8-1) for excellent conditioner Larry Rivelli, #12 MONEY RUN (7-2), West Coaster for Peter Miller with a huge rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $130K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 5½ furlongs on the grass
My choice is #11 VELVET DEVIL (6-1 morning line), for always-dangerous trainer Michael Tomlinson with Axel Concepcion riding. Speedy filly knows how to finish in the money (5-2-2-0).
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going 1⅛ mile
Mr. Ed likes #4 ONLY IN AMERICA (7-2 morning line) for Todd Pletcher and better-than-ever HOFer Johnny Velazquez.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & $5 Exacta Boxes of 4/8,9. ($30)
Races 7-9 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $1 Pick 3
R7: 3,4,5,8,9
R8: 3,4,6,8
R9: 5,7,8 ($60)
TOTAL WAGERS: $200
NFL PICK OF WEEK (3-2)*
LA Rams -2.5
*(against the spread)
