Mr. Ed’s Keeneland Picks for Monday, April 7:
TRACKING MR. ED: I lost a great deal of respect for Keeneland racing officials when they decided to conduct Sunday’s racing card in spite of adverse conditions. 47 scratches of 112 entrants and all five turf races moved to the super sloppy main track should have served as evidence enough that racing as usual was not such a bright idea. The betting public was left with short fields, low odds, small betting pools and slippery, slopping racing. Here’s hoping that weather conditions have improved by post time on Monday and far fewer scratches are necessary.
SUNDAY RESULTS: It was mostly slim pickings for winners. Three jockeys, the Bros. Ortiz (Jose & Irad Jr.) and Luis Saez, splashed home with two winners apiece. Ten different jockeys scored one winner each. Mr. Ed, with most of his picks scratched, got shut out. Once all was said and run, the average Win ticket returned $8.90. On to Monday. First post is 1 p.m. Let’s take a look at Mr. Ed’s selections.
Mr. Ed’s Selections at Keeneland for Monday, April 7
Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $140K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 4YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile on turf (multiple scratches possible)
Mr. Ed likes favorite #6 SPALIDAY (5-2 morning line) to pass these gals in the stretch. Conditioned by superior trainer Chad Brown and ridden by French import Flavien Prat, More Than Ready offspring is dropping in class following three consecutive G2 efforts. This lady knows how to close. If pick scratches, bet #2 AMBER CASCADE (12-1)
KEENELAND PICK: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YO fillies going 6½ furlongs
Chalk-eater Mr. Ed likes another favorite, #3 SHOOT IT TRUE (9-5 morning line). No one does winning in the Springtime at Keeneland better than jockey-turned trainer Wesley Ward. Expensive daughter of Mummings has won two of three starts. Rider shift to Joel Rosario rings true to me.
KEENELAND PICK: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs going 1⅛-mile on the turf (multiple scratches possible)
Mr. Ed likes #5 MY GAL (9-2 morning line). Pick gets rider upgrade to Jose Ortiz and adds Lasix. Away since October, trainer Thomas Jonathan has closer ready to score.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $130K ALLOWANCE for 4YOs & up going a mile on the turf (multiple scratches possible)
Mr. Ed’s outsider choice is #2 GEORGIE W (8-1 morning line). Veteran HOF jockey Mike Smith hired to guide gelding home for trainer William Walden. Off since July at Saratoga, classy closer adds blinkers.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Races 7-10 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $.50 Pick 4
R7: 1,2,3,5
R8: 2,11,16
R9: 3,4,5
R10: 6,7,11,16 ($72)*
*cost expected to be lower due to scratches
Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $400K LAFAYETTE STAKES for 3YOs going 7 furlongs
With sloppy conditions expected, Mr. Ed likes #3 SMOKEN WICKED (10-1 morning line) to splash home late for sneaky good trainer Dallas Stewart, who brings back Brian Hernandez to ride. Class drop and turn back seal the hot deal.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 to Win and $5 Exacta Boxes with 1,2,5. ($40)
Race 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT) — G1 $750K CENTRAL BANK OF ASHLAND for 3YO fillies going 1 1/16-mile
I like a trio: #3 SUPA SPEED (4-1 morning line) for John Sadler; #4 MUHIMMA (9-5) for Brad Cox; and #5 RUNNING AWAY (3-1) for Wesley Ward to finish 1-2-3.
KEENELAND PICK: $5 Exacta Boxes. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $222 (amount expected to be reduced by scratches)
LOOKING AHEAD: If you like BIG days at the track, they don’t get much bigger than Tuesday (program originally scheduled for last Saturday). Players should be ready to bet with both hands. Mr. Ed will share his key selections on the 11-race, stakes-laden card, featuring the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes. Post time for Race 1 is 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. Unfortunately, for the fifth day in a row, rain is in the forecast, making turf racing doubtful.
NCAA MEN’S CHAMPION: Florida Gators by 4.
