MR. ED AT KEENELAND: By the time all were loaded for Race 4, the carryover Pick 5 pool had ballooned to well over $2 million. I could swear my heart monitor fluttered when the bell rang. It didn’t, folks. It was merely a cat purring on my lap. After Race 8, when all was said and run, a bunch of players lined up at the windows or checked their computer screen to claim winnings of $2,283 for each $0.50 wagered. Unfortunately, not for Mr. Ed, who had only three winners. At the end of the eight-race card, trainer Wesley Ward, with a pair of scores, was the lone jockey or conditioner with more than one winner. The average $2 Win ticket returned $14.40. Elsewhere in racing, the early Breeders’ Cup (November 1 and 2), entries were drawn, including an international record of 19 from Japan. Mr. Ed finds Thursday’s nine-race program to be extremely tough. Post time for the first race is 1 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT. Here are Mr. Ed’s Keeneland picks.
Mr. Ed’s Keeneland Picks for Thursday (10/24)
Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $48K MAIDEN CLAIMING for fillies and mares 3YOs & up going 6 ½ furlongs
My outside choice is #10 ROMANTIC DANCER (3-1 morning line) for excellent Kentucky-based trainer Eddie Kenneally with top rider Luis Saez. Finished second after front-end duel. Trainer knows how to make ‘em dance in the lane.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $100K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies and mares 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed likes #6 SAVE TIME (6-5 morning line) for the powerful Chad Brown-Irad Ortiz Jr. trainer-jockey combo. Gal returns to dirt after a dull turf effort at Spa. Distance suits stalking style. Look for Irad to make a timely move.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT) — $55K CLAIMING for fillies and mares 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile
I’m betting on three for the money: #3 HONOR CAT (6-1 morning line), who gets trainer upgrade; #5 WEE BIT O MISCHIEF (9-2) for Romans-Lanerie team, who won one on Wednesday, and #6 SENSIBLE CHOICE (7-2) with new fav rider, Luan Machado. A winning threesome.
KEENELAND PICK: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $100K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile on turf
Mr. Ed likes #6 PARIS SURPRISE (4-1 morning line) for rookie trainer Nolan Ramsey, grandson of popular owner Ken Ramsey. Fresh off the claim, top jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. is named to ride the promising 3YO colt. Two Ramseys are better than one.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $100K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YO fillies and mares going 6 ½ furlongs
Hot trainer Cherie DeVaux sends out first-time starter #3 GIFTED CANDY (9-2 morning line) and names Jose Ortiz to ride. Filly sports an excellent string of morning works, including the last three at Keeneland. A gift horse.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 Win & Place. ($20)
Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/ 1:12 p.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs going 1 ⅛-mile
I like trainer Danny Gargan’s gelding #2 SOCIETY MAN (3-1 morning line), with Cory Lanerie aboard. The classy winner of nearly $500K is rested & ready to score.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 to Win & $10 Exacta Box with 3,6,7. ($40)
Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $140K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares 3YOs & up going 5 ½ furlongs on turf
Mr. Ed likes #3 OEUVRE (9-5 morning line); #7 BLING (3-1), and #8 SHOOTOUTTHELIGHTS (8-1).
KEENELAND PICK: Leg 1 of $5 Daily Double.
Race 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT) — $54K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #2 ABADIN (3-1 morning line) and #6 MAGIA NERA (5-2).
KEENELAND PICK: $5 Daily Doubles of 3,7,8 with 2,6. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $150
