Keeneland Picks for Wednesday, April 22:
FINAL THREE DAYS AT KEENELAND: Today marks the beginning of the last three days of the 2026 Spring meet at Keeneland. Mr. Ed found the eight-race card an enigma. For instance, the first race appears to be a walkover for #2 GET HER NUMBER, the morning line favorite at 3-5. Race 2 is a maiden contest of 10 2YO fillies, all first-time starters. Too easy, and too tough, respectively for Mr. Ed. The final six contests offer few betting opportunities, but Mr. Ed is up to the task of offering his two cents’ worth on each race. Those considering wagers today at Keeneland should proceed with extreme caution. As Mr. Ed recently observed, paraphrasing long-time friend and VSiN colleague, “sometimes the best bet is the one not made.” Note: jockey Tyler Gaffalione appears to have taken a brief break from riding. His next listed mount is in R1 at Churchill Downs on Saturday. Post time for the first race on Wednesday at Keeneland is 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. The forecast is for sunny skies with a high in the ‘80s. The tracks are expected to be FIRM & FAST. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s reluctant picks.
Mr. Ed’s Keeneland Selections for Wednesday (4/22)
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $63K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going 6½ furlongs
In the first leg of a DD, Mr. Ed likes either of these: #3 DON’T SAY IT (5-2 morning line) for top trainer Brad Cox with young rider Luan Machado, seeking to repeat win effort in last; and #6 RIGHT NOW (9-2) for low-key trainer Tim Girten with Axel Concepcion up.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Daily Double on 3,6/5,10. ($20)
Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 p.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for 4YOs & Up going 1½ miles on the turf
To complete DD, Mr. Ed’s picks: #5 OPERATION OVERLORD (5-2 morning line) for HOFer Todd Pletcher and top rider Irad Ortiz, Jr.; #10 RELATIVE VALUE (4-1) for the powerful team of Chad Brown and savvy rider Flavien Prat. Either one will do.
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $53K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
Recovering news journalist Mr. Ed can’t say he liked all his past bosses, but he likes this #1 EDITOR (5-2 morning line) for trainer Joe Sharp and top jock Irad Ortiz, Jr. Big class drop key to first win.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $140K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going 5½ furlongs on the turf
Mr. Ed is betting on a trio: #1 LOVELY EMMA (6-1 morning line), the speedy coed draws innermost post for West Coast trainer Peter Eurton, who brings back Jose Ortiz to ride; #2 ME GOVERNOR (15-1), the under-appreciated filly should be flying late. And, #4 BIG TROUBLE (7-2) for under-the-radar trainer Greg Foley with big rider upgrade to Irad Ortiz, Jr.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 1,2,4. ($30)
Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $140K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going 6½ furlongs
In today’s feature, with only five entered, Mr. Ed’s pick is favorite #3 LYNN’S MILKY WAY (9-5 morning line), an import from Gulfstream Park. Filly is trained by Luis Ramirez; Irad Ortiz, Jr., returns to ride. She’s fast enough to beat rivals.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs & Up going 1⅛ mile on the grass
Mr. Ed’s LONGSHOT PICK OF THE DAY, #3 VERMELHO (10-1 morning line) for trainer Cherie DeVaux with Jose Ortiz, Jr. in saddle. Expensively bred gelding, who has been on the bench since his lone start in 2024, returns while stretching out, moving to turf and getting Lasix. If respected horsewoman DeVaux says he’s fit and ready, that’s good enough for me. Bomb’s away!
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $100
THURSDAY AT KEENELAND: The penultimate day of the Spring meet at Keeneland features a nine-race card consisting of a menu of allowance, claiming and maiden contests. First post is at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT with the tracks expected to be FIRM & FAST. Weather forecast: Sunny with a high of 78. Mr. Ed will return with his exclusive VSiN picks. Oh, and be sure to stick around for Keeneland’s last racing day on Friday, when Mr. Ed will reveal his final Dirty Derby Dozen +1 standings.
