Mr. Ed’s Keeneland Picks:
KEENELAND RECAP & PREVIEW: Every dog (or horse, for that matter) shall have his day — and Wednesday at Keeneland provided the evidence. Until yesterday’s eight-race card, favorites had prevailed at a 40% clip, with an average $2 Win ticket paying less than $10. When all was run and done, Wednesday’s average $2 Win bet returned $17.50, a high for the meet. Mr. Ed’s highlight of the day was in Race 8 when young jockey Luan Machado, leading by a half-dozen lengths midway down the stretch, decided to stand up on his mount and quit riding — only to be beaten at the wire by a length. His trip back to the barn must have been the longest of his riding career. By the end of the day, no jockey or trainer had won more than one race. As for Thursday’s nine-race program, featuring a pair of competitive allowances, racing will begin at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT. Here are Mr. Ed’s Keeneland picks.
Mr. Ed’s Keeneland Picks for Thursday (10/17)
Race 1 (1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT) — $63K STARTER ALLOWANCE for 2YOs going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #3 BOSTONIAN (4-5 morning line) for wise Wesley Ward, who hires Frankie Dettori to guide the gelding to a third consecutive victory. He’s my pick to kick off chalky, ice cold wager.
KEENELAND PICK: $20 Daily Double of 3/1. ($20)
Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $48K MAIDEN CLAIMING 3YO fillies and mares going 1 1/16-mile
To complete the early Daily Double, I like #1 COLONIAL ROSE (7-5 morning line) for top trainer Brad Cox and one of his go-to riders, Florent Geroux. Dropping into claiming ranks and returning to route should suit the filly well. Mr. Ed enjoys the revolutionary era wager.
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $55K STARTER ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares 3Y0s & up going 6½ furlongs
Mr. Ed likes the trio of #1 HIGH FASHION KATE (9-2 morning line) with James Graham in the irons, #3 WAILUA (6-5) with Flavien Prat aboard, and #5 LIL GIN N CLASS (7-2) with Luis Saez riding.
KEENELAND PICK: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $100K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2 YOs going about 7 furlongs
First-time starter #3 UNCLE JIM (3-1 morning line) for conditioner Brad Cox and Florent Geroux is my selection. Trainer hits respectable 24% with first-timers. Solid works add to the appeal. Competitors say uncle.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 Win & Place. Box in Exactas with 9,11. ($30)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs going 5½ furlongs on turf
Mr. Ed likes #7 FINSTER (6-1 morning line) for popular Kentucky-circuit trainer Eoin Hardy, who attracts top rider Flavien Prat. Easily could sport a 3-for-3 record, if not for trouble in last at Churchill. Owner Godolphin sharp outfit.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $130K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares 3Y0s & up going 1 1/16-mile on turf
My best bet of the day is #4 SAFFRON MOON (3-1 morning line) for top trainer Chad Brown with Flavien Prat aboard. Horse-for-course seeks third win here on turf. Shine on Saffron moon.
KEENELAND PICK: $20 to Win, $5 Daily Doubles with 3,5,12. ($35)
TOTAL WAGERS: $135
