Keeneland Picks for Sunday, October 5:
TRACKING MR. ED: Veteran HOF rider Johnny Velazquez, with five wins, was the Saturday standout of Fall Stars weekend Part 1. As for Part 2, those who can survive the first eight races, a lackluster mix of maiden and claiming contests, will be richly rewarded in Race 9, the $650K G1 JUDDMONTE SPINSTER. It’s 3YO filly champ #3 NITROGEN vs.4YO superstar #5 THORPEDO ANNA for the undisputed crown as the nation’s top coed. Both may very well return for a rematch in the Breeders’ Cup in four weeks. With nothing but blue skies in the forecast, the first post for the 11-race card is 1:00 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. Let’s see if Mr. Ed can record a second-straight winning day. Here are his Sunday selections.
Mr. Ed’s Picks at Keeneland for Sunday, October 5
Race 1 (1:00 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT) — $50K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 7 furlongs
It’s Daily Double time. I like a pair: #1 J RIVERS (9-5 morning line) for trainer David Jacobson, who gives coed a huge rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione while dropping her in class. I also like #3 ST ALBANS RAID (6-1) with Jose Ortiz aboard and trained by Matt Shirer, who had a winner on Friday. She’s fast, but can she last?
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 1,3/6,12. ($20)
Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $55K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 2YO fillies and mares going 6½ furlongs
To complete DD, Mr. Ed likes #6 MISS MO MAGIC (5-1 morning line) for hot trainer Joe Sharp and ridden by Luis Saez, or #12 G ROCKS (4-1) for veteran combo of Dallas Stewart and HOFer Johnny Velazquez.
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $130K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going about 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed has a winning exacta on his mind: #1 SULTRY LASS (3-1 morning line) with top jock Irad Ortiz returning after dull effort vs. better; #3 TAPIT QUICK (9-2) for Dallas Stewart. Forget last. And #7 WAVES OF MISCHIEF (9-5) for the powerhouse team of Brendan Walsh and Tyler Gaffalione. Any two of three for the money.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 1,3,7. ($30)
Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs going a mile on the grass
Mr. Ed has another for exacta fans: #3 DROP SHOT (4-1 morning line) for trainer Rusty Arnold with Luis Saez in irons; #4 GOTCHA (10-1), upset shot for Brendan Walsh barn with top rider Irad Ortiz, Jr., and #6 VERSAILLES ROAD (8-1) for HOF team of Todd Pletcher and Johnny Velazquez. On the street where Keeneland lives.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 3,4,6. ($30)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YO fillies and mares going 6 furlongs
My pick is FTS #8 BELLA BALLERINA (5-2 morning line) with Tyler Gaffalione for the hot Brendan Walsh outfit. Daughter of Street Sense shows a lengthy line of excellent works while dancing in the dark. Be sure to check out the interest on the tote board.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $140K ALLOWANCE for 3YO fillies going 5½ furlongs
Mr. Ed likes the very fast #8 DREAMAWAY (9-2 morning line) to wire this field. Trainer Wesley Ward knows where to spot his starters. Johnny Velasquez knows this gal. Catching her will not be easy.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YO fillies going 6 furlongs
Brad Cox FTS is #7 SNEAKY GOOD (3-1 morning line). With top jock Irad Ortiz Jr. riding, she’s all that and more. String of quick works attest to her speed.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($20)
Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $300K INDIAN SUMMER STAKES for 2YOs going 5½ furlongs on the turf
Mr. Ed made note when #5 OBLITERATION (4-1 morning line) eviscerated the field in his maiden score. It gets a bit tougher today, but I’m confident he’s ready to step forward. Steve Asmussen trains. Jose Ortiz is back in the saddle. Breeders’ Cup bound.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT) — $650K G1 JUDDMONTE SPINSTER STAKES for fillies and mares, 3YOs going 1⅛ miles
Don’t let the five-horse field fool ya. This comes down to a good old-fashioned match race between 3YO millionaire #3 NITROGEN (5-2 morning line) and older #5 THORPEDO ANNA (8-5), winner of more than $5 million. My mind says the #5, my heart likes #3.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. $10 Daily Double 3&6. ($20)
Race 10 (5:48 p.m. ET/2:48 p.m. PT) — $400K CASTLE & KEY STAKES for 2YOs going 1 1/16-mile on the turf
For Mike Repole (owner), Todd Pletcher (trainer) and Irad Ortiz, Jr. (jockey), the youngster’s name says it all: #6 FINAL SCORE (8-5). Mr. Ed makes it unanimous.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $190
