Mr. Ed’s Keeneland Picks for Saturday, April 12:
TRACKING MR. ED: After two days away following a spill on Tuesday, popular jockey Luis Saez returned to the Winner’s Circle twice. Leading rider Flavien Prat also had a pair of winners. No trainer had more than one win. The average $2 win ticket returned $13.60. Saturday’s 11-race program is full of excellent racing action, including a pair of exciting graded stakes. First post is set for 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT. Mr. Ed has the following nine Saturday selections.
Mr. Ed’s Selections at Keeneland for Saturday, April 12
Race 1 (1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT) — $53K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going about 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #9 HEATONTAP (7-2 morning line) for sizzling trainer John Ortiz and fresh-off-injury rider Luis Saez. Good pairing. Son of Tapit is a cool customer.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win and $5 Daily Double of 9-2. ($15)
Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $73K CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going 6 ½ furlongs
I like #2 CAPE TRAFALGAR (5-2 morning line) dropping from graded stakes company for Saffie Joseph, who retains Irad Ortiz Jr.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win and complete Daily Double. ($10)
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YO fillies & mares going 1 1/16 mile on turf
Mr. Ed likes trio: #7 GROVE CITY SUNSET (6-1 morning line) with big rider change to HOFer Johnny Velazquez; #9 THERAVADA (9-2), closer for Rusty Arnold, and #10 GOOD GAME (8-1) with top jock Flavien Prat.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT) — $78K CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going about 7 furlongs
Three for the money: #2 SIGHT (12-1 morning line) for tough team of Al Stall Jr. & Flavien Prat; #8 TUNISIAN SPRING (5-2) for Wesley Ward who drops gelding in class, and #11 INDY MAGIC (4-1) for Mark Casse and young Luan Machado.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs going a mile on turf
Mr. Ed’s LONGSHOT OF THE DAY is #11 WARLANDER (10-1) for HOF trainer Steve Asmussen, who makes positive rider shift to Joel Rosario and adds Lasix. Time for Kitten’s Joy offspring to move on up to the Winner’s Circle.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 to Win, Place & Show. ($15)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $130K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going 6 ½ furlongs
Mr. Ed’s pick is #4 DISCREET MISCHIEF (3-1 morning line) for the powerful team of Brad Cox and NY invader Manny Franco. Colt on the improve, can repeat today.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT) — G3 $400K STONESTREET for 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile
My money is on #7 PRAETOR (2-1 morning line) for top trainer Chad Brown, who rehires Flavien Prat to ride. Coming off an easy win at Gulfstream, can handle the move to stakes company. Into Mischief son rules over a competitive field.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 9 — $1 PICK 3
R9: 4,6,7,9
R10: 5,7,8
R11: 8,10 ($24)
Race 10 (5:48 p.m. ET/2:48 p.m. PT) — G1 $650K JENNY WILEY STAKES for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going 1 1/16 mile on turf
Mr. Ed likes three: #5 BE YOUR BEST (6-1 morning line), winner of three in a row for Saffie Joseph Jr. Irad Oritiz Jr. picks up mount; #7 KEHOE BEACH (7-2) for Ward-Dettori team, and #8 SACRED WISH (8-1), stakes tested, can improve.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $194
REST STOP AHEAD: Sunday’s eight-race card leaves much to be desired. However, the finale, the G3 $350K GIANT’S CAUSEWAY looks to be a competitive stakes with several potential price plays. Upon conclusion of that race, everyone associated with Keeneland will welcome a two-day break, after an eight-day work week (thanks to inclement weather). And, on the ninth day, Mr. Ed also rested. Fear not, for he will return to VSiN with his picks and commentary on Wednesday.
