Keeneland Picks for Thursday, October 9:
HORSING AROUND: Into every horseplayer’s day, a little rain doesn’t necessarily fall. The 80% chance of showers predicted for Wednesday came on Tuesday afternoon, giving the turf course a much-needed soaking. The chance of additional rain through Sunday is 40% or less. As for yesterday’s results under sunny skies, most were low-paying, with the average $2 Win returning $11. Luis Saez led all jockeys and trainers with three wins. At the end of the program, of the 39 races run thus far at the meet, 20 have been won by favorites. First post for Thursday’s 10-race card is 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT.
Mr. Ed’s Picks at Keeneland for Thursday (10/09)
Race 1 — $58K CLAIMING for 2YOs going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes a pair in the first leg of the Daily Double. #5 JUST LIKE MAX (4-1 morning line) for low-key connections, trainer Genaro Garcia and jockey Edgar Morales. Debut winner. And, #9 FISTFULOFMONEY (8-1) trained by Kevin Rice with a huge rider upgrade to Jose Ortiz. Look for early speed.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 5,9/4,7. ($20)
Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $55K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs going 6½ furlongs
To complete the DD, Mr. Ed is betting on #4 ALIAS (9-2 morning line) for young, new trainer Will Walden, who recruits Tyler Gaffalione to ride. Front-runner drops from MSW ranks. And, #7 DON’T GHOST ME (8-5) for excellent trainer Michael Stidham with top rider Luis Saez. Beaten favorite in the last two.
Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 1⅛-miles
Mr. Ed likes #2 TWOLATEBABYDOLL (4-1 morning line) for excellent trainer Al Stall, Jr., who switches riders to Jose Ortiz. Coed should handle the added distance. It’s never too late, baby.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $53K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 2YO fillies going 1 1/16-mile
I like a trio: #3 RANTING AND RAVING (9-2 morning) line for lively Tom Amoss barn; #8 LADY FAYE (7-2) for Kenny McPeek, who rehires Emanuel Esquivel to ride, and favorite #9 BEACH OF DREAMS (5-2) with Irad Ortiz, Jr., also running for McPeek. Need two of three to cash.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $140K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs going 5 furlongs on the grass
Mr. Ed’s pick is #6 CAN’T DENY IT (4-1) for top Midwest trainer Larry Rivelli and improving jockey Jareth Loveberry. No denying Mr. Ed’s pick.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Races 7-10 — $.50 Pick 4
R7: 1,2,4,9
R8: 1,5,8
R9: 7,10,11
R10: 11,13 ($36)
*In the event of a scratch, the post-time favorite is the substitute pick.
Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $130K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed’s PLAY OF THE DAY is #8 CHEETAH LADY (6-1 morning line), daughter of top sire Quality Road, trained by up-and-comer Whit Beckman and ridden by Joe Ramos. I also like Argentine import #1 CIMA DE ARECO (5-2) for Motion and Gaffalione, and #5 MALLEYMOO (7-2) for Chad Brown with Irad Ortiz, Jr.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $146
UPCOMING AT KEENELAND: Friday’s 10-race program at Keeneland, highlighted by the $400K G2 SYCAMORE STAKES, is an excellent one. Looking ahead to the weekend, lots of stakes & high-priced allowance action — enough to keep Mr. Ed coming back to VSiN with his top selections.
