Mr. Ed’s Keeneland Picks for Friday, April 11:
TRACKING MR. ED: For the second day in a row, out-of-town jockey Juan Hernandez captured the finale on the nine-race card. Leading rider Flavien Prat once again was the only jockey to win two races. John Ortiz was the lone trainer with a pair of wins. Once again, a bombshell winner paid $111.00, helping push the average $2 win ticket above $20.
TODAY AT KEENELAND: A pair of major stakes, R7 $300K LIMESTONE and R9 G1 $650K MAKER’S MARK MILE headline an excellent (tip my hat to track management) 10-race card. Those headed to Keeneland should get there early before hordes of college greeks and mostly adult bourbon drinkers inundate the buildings and blue grass. Chance of rain adds to the melee. First post is at 1 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Let’s look at Mr. Ed’s exclusive selections.
Mr. Ed’s Selections at Keeneland for Friday, April 11
Race 1 (1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT) — $50K ALLOWANCE for 4YOs going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes three: #3 DANCIN WITH ANGELS (6-1 morning line) for trainer Brett Brinkman and up-and-coming young rider Ben Curtis. A new pairing. #5 LUCKY SHOT (2-1), the favorite. And #6 BUSK (7-2), looking to repeat. Three for the money.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $90K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies going 4 ½ furlongs
I’ll sprint to the windows to bet on the speedy combination of #7 GORRONO RANCH (2-1 morning line), trainer Wesley Ward and HOF rider Johnny Velazquez.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $51K CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going 1 ⅛-mile
Mr. Ed’s pick is #3 BUSINESS MODEL (5-2 morning line) going for trainer Dave Jacobson in second start for barn. Keys to choice are a rider upgrade to Irad Ortiz Jr. and a stretchout in distance. This model is all business.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT.) — $49K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 6 ½ furlongs
I like a trio: #3 MUSTANG LADY (7-2 morning line) on class drop and turnback; #4 GINGER N SPEIGHTSY (10-1) gets rider upgrade to Chris Landeros, and #8 RARE RUBY (4-1) for excellent KY-circuit trainer Dallas Stewart. Two of three for the money.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for 3YO fillies going 1 1/16-mile on the turf
Mr. Ed likes Brad Cox trainee #4 HEAR THE QUEEN (7-2 morning line) with upstart jockey Luan Machado in the saddle. Ships in after third place finish in Fair Grounds stake. Mr. Ed hears your highness.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Races 7-10 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $1 Pick 4
R7: 4,6,9,10,13,16
R8: 2,3,6,9
R9: 6
R10: 10,11 ($48)
Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $110 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s LONGSHOT OF THE DAY is #6 GIRLS ROCK (15-1 morning line) for up-and-coming trainer Whit Beckman, who brings out-of-towner Jareth Loveberry in to ride. A conditioner to watch and a jockey who picks up followers with every victory. Rock on, girls!
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT) — G1 $650K MAKER’S MARK MILE for 4 YOs & Up
Mr. Ed likes the people’s choice, popular #6 CARL SPACKLER (9-5 morning line), who should be able to handle this inferior bunch. Carl’s the man!
KEENELAND SELECTION:Â $20 to Win. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $188
ON TAP SATURDAY: The G3 $400K STONSTREET LEXINGTON STAKES for 3YOs caps another competitive, 11-race card. Several of the nine entrants have an outside chance of securing a spot in the Kentucky Derby. Sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-50s are expected. First post is at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.
