Mr. Ed’s Keeneland Picks for Tuesday, April 8:
TUESDAY RECAP: The originally scheduled 10-race Opening Day program lived up to its billing with several excellent, competitive races contested under sunny skies. Ah, the Keeneland Mr. Ed knows and loves. Jockey Luis Saez had two winners for the second day in a row to take the lead in the rider standings. New York-invader Manny Franco also had a pair of winners. And, for the second day in a row, no trainer had multiple wins. The average $2 win ticket returned $10.25.
MR. ED AT BLUE GRASS STAKES DAY: When it comes to the Blue Grass Stakes card at Keeneland, it’s better a few rainy days later than never. Originally scheduled for Saturday, a torrential, four-day downpour forced Keeneland officials to scramble its opening weekend lineup. As a result, this stellar 11-race card was moved to today. Featuring five juicy stakes, topped by the Race 10 Grade 1 $1.25 million Blue Grass for 3YO Kentucky Derby aspirants, which goes to the post at 5:52 p.m. ET/2:52 p.m. PT. Let’s check out Mr. Ed’s top selections for the day, including the G1 Blue Grass Stakes.
Mr. Ed Picks at Keeneland for Tuesday, April 8
Race 1 (1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed kicks the card off with a Daily Double. In the first leg I like a trio: #2 CAMP HALE (morning line 6-5) for trainer Ian Wilkes and Juan Hernandez; #3 PLAYA DEL MAR (4-1) for HOF trainer Bill Mott with rider upgrade to Irad Ortiz Jr., and #8 INVICTUS (6-1) for top trainer Brad Cox and new rider Flavien Prat.
Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs going 1 ⅛-mile on the turf
Mr. Ed likes #9 FATEFUL LIGHTNING (3-1 morning line), making second start for Brad Cox, after neck loss in debut. Luis Saez retains mount. And, #12 EXCITE (9-2), going for HOF trainer Bill Mott, who switches riders to Brian Hernandez.
KEENELAND PICK: $5 Daily Double. ($30)
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs going six furlongs
I’ll take a shot with #7 TIP TOP THOMAS (2-1 morning line) for HOF trainer Todd Pletcher, who retains tip top jockey, Irad Ortiz Jr. Son of Volatile adds Lasix while cutting back to sprint. Thomas gets my bet.
KEENELAND PICK: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT) — $140K ALLOWANCE for 4YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile on turf
Mr. Ed likes #5 TIMEOUT (8-1 morning line), who would welcome an off-the-turf scenario. Trained by Bill Mott, who hires HOF veteran jockey Mike Smith. Rooting for sloppy conditions. It’s time to win third in a row.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $110K for 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed likes #7 LAST MAN STANDING (9-2 morning line), making his second start for top trainer Todd Pletcher, who hires Irad Ortiz Jr. to ride. I’ll pair him with #2 SHANGRALA ROAD (7-2), #4 PITKIN (5-2), and #12 INTERCEPTOR (5-1)
KEENELAND PICK: $5 Exacta Boxes. ($30)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — G2 $500K APPALACHIAN STAKES for 3YO fillies going a mile on the turf
I’m betting on #6 TOTALLY JUSTIFIED (6-1 morning line) for under-rated trainer Rusty Arnold, who hires Luis Saez to ride for the first time. The lone blemish on her five-race record is poor effort in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Look for her up front early.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 8 (4:48 p.m. ET/1:48 p.m. PT) — G1 $650K MADISON STAKES for fillies and mares going seven furlongs
My BEST BET of the day is #2 EMERY (3-1 morning line) for trainer Brad Cox, who gives young rider Luan Macado a leg up. Choice is a perfect 2 for 2 over the racing strip as earnings near the $1 million mark. Proven sprinter appears full of run.
KEENELAND PICK: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 10 (5:52 p.m. ET/2:52 p.m. PT) — G1 $1.25 Million BLUE GRASS STAKES for 3YOs going 1⅛-mile
Mr. Ed likes more than one in the final Kentucky Derby prep, but his top choice is #6 CHANCER MCPATRICK (7-2 morning line). Multiple-graded-stakes tested, Chad Brown trainee retains Flavien Prat in saddle. Inside post helps. Others worth a look include #1 RIVER THAMES (5-2) gets new rider, Irad Ortiz Jr. and #3 BURNHAM SQUARE (9-2), proven router for Ian Wilkes barn.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 to Win & Place and $5 Exacta Boxes. ($40)
TOTAL WAGERS: $160
