Mr. Ed’s Keeneland Picks for Friday, April 25:
THURSDAY AT THE TRACK: The tight race for Spring Meet winningest rider remained as unsettled as ever yesterday as Flavien Prat captured three races, bringing his total to 18, tying him with Luis Saez atop the standings with one day to go. Jose Ortiz won a race, bringing his total to 17, while Irad Ortiz Jr. was shut out, leaving him with 15. All four of the top riders are named to ride several horses on Friday. Word from Mr. Ed: Don’t count any of them out. No single trainer won more than one race on Thursday. Brad Cox, Brendan Walsh and Wesley Ward continue to lead the winningest-trainer contest. The average $2 win ticket returned $9.01. Last but not least, Mr. Ed broke out of his slump with a winning day.
SAY GOODBYE TO KEENELAND: To commemorate closing day at Keeneland, Mr. Ed offers winning picks on all 10 races. Anyone who believes that has no business reading any further! Sharps know that Mr. Ed has had a losing meet with far too few trips to the CASH window. He is reduced to simply trying to recoup his losses and get on the road to Churchill Downs. He won’t be alone. Be aware that closing-day payoffs often result in warped returns, with meet-long losing jockeys and trainers finally winning. Also, keep in mind that those competing for meet honors might be worth a second look, especially when they involve lower tote board odds than expected. First post today is 30 minutes earlier (12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT) than previous days. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s plays.
Mr. Ed’s Selections at Keeneland for Friday, 04/25
Race 1 (12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT) — $49K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed likes a pair: #3 DAY DAWNING (7-5 morning line) for CA shipper Johnathan Thomas, who hires Flavien Prat to ride. (Prat is in a race for the jockey crown.) Pick has been facing better; and #7 TAVRIA (4-1) for Ian Wilkes, who recruits son-in-law Chris Landeros to pilot the filly. Class drop helps.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Daily Double, 3,7/2,8. ($20)
Race 2 (1:01 p.m. ET/10:01 a.m. PT) — $90K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YO fillies going 5½ furlongs on the turf
I like two to complete DD: #2 NANINA (7-2 morning line) for the powerful Cox-Prat team. Recent drill indicates she’s ready; #8 GANYMEDE (2-1) for sharp Ward-Rosario pairing.
Race 3 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $54K MAIDEN CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
It’s hard to beat the team of Brendon Walsh and Irad Ortiz Jr. with #6 TOXIC LOVE (5-2 morning line) as both are near the top in their respective meet standings. Mr. Ed loves the toxic pair.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (2:03 p.m. ET/11:03 a.m. PT) — $57K CLAIMING for 4YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #3 BILLY THE GREEK (4-1 morning line) for Saffie Joseph Jr. barn and top jock Irad Ortiz Jr. Owned by keen Ken Ramsey, fresh gelding should benefit from cutback to sprint.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 5 (2:34 p.m. ET/11:34 a.m. PT) — $130K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 4YOs & up going a mile on the turf
I like classy three: #1 DEEP SATIN (3-1 morning line) for Cherie DeVaux, who rehires Jose Ortiz; #6 MO FOX GIVIN (8-1), with other Ortiz brother riding for HOF trainer Mark Casse, and #8 SWEET REBECCA (7-2) for Chad Brown and Flavien Prat, drops in class while improving.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 6 (3:05 p.m. ET/12:05 p.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 4YOs & up going 7½ furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #7 CENTRAL AVENUE (6-1 morning line) for veteran trainer Michael Stidman and improving young rider Ben Curtis to team up for victory. Pick will benefit from the class drop and turn back to sprint.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Races 7-10 (3:36 p.m. ET/12:36 p.m. PT) — $1 PICK 4
R7: 1,4,7
R8: 2,3,7
R9: 1,9
R10: 4,7,11,13 ($72)
TOTAL WAGERS: $162
NEXT STOP CHURCHILL DOWNS: The famous Louisville, KY, race track opens on Saturday evening with first post at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT. Opening day events include the drawing of official post positions and morning line odds for the Kentucky Derby, which will be run on Saturday, May 3. Look for Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby picks on VSiN.
