Mr. Ed’s Keeneland Picks:
WHAT MR. ED LEARNED AT KEENELAND: There is more good bourbon, more good-looking women, well-groomed thoroughbreds and more knowledgeable chalk players per turf mile than anywhere else on Earth. While my trip did not produce the profits I sought, I enjoyed every minute of the brief time I spent at the track and in Lexington, Ky., with fellow degenerates. I am certain to return next spring, Lord willing and the crick don’t rise. Mr. Ed encourages all serious horseplayers to place Keeneland high on their bucket list.
After Day 8 of the 17-day spring meet, Tyler Gaffalione sits atop the rider standings with 14 wins, followed by Luis Saez (9) and Jose Ortiz (8). Brad Cox leads the top trainer list with seven wins, followed by Brandon Walsh (6) and Rudy Brissett (5).
Others worth watching during the final nine days of the meet include jockeys Flavien Prat, Irad Ortiz and Frankie Dettori. Conditioners worth a look include Cherie DeVaux, Chad Brown and Joe Sharp. Racing resumes Wednesday with a challenging eight-race card. First race post time is 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. Let’s take a look at Mr. Ed’s Keeneland picks.
Mr. Ed’s Keeneland Picks for Wednesday, October 16
Race 1 (1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT) — $50K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongsÂ
It’s hard not to like my choice, #6 GOOD LIKE MAGIC (1-1 morning line). Trainer Brad Cox brings Flavien Prat back to pilot the 3-year-old to a third win. Good move.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 to Win & $5 Exacta boxes with 5&8. ($30)
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m PT) — $49K CLAIMING for fillies and mares going 6 furlongsÂ
Mr. Ed’s play is #10 SOMBRA DORADA (5-2 morning line). Trained by excellent Kentucky-circuit standout Eddie Kenneally. If she grabs lead early, she may never look back under Luis Saez.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $110K for fillies and mares 3YOs & up going 5 1/2 furlongs on turfÂ
My money is on #4 ROYAL SLIPPER (2-1 morning line) for turf-sprint specialist Wesley Ward, who adds blinkers and Lasix while retaining Johnny Velazquez to ride. Shorter route on turf seals victory.
KEENELAND PICK: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $110K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going 1 1/8-mile
Mr. Ed likes three: #3 THINK BIG (8-1 morning line) for solid trainer Michael Stidham; #6 FOOTPRINT (15-1) for Al Stall Jr. and #9 LIPS SAY BLISS (9-2) for Robert Medina. KEENELAND PICK: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs and up going 1 1/2-mile on turf
Mr. Ed likes two: #5 SIX MINUS (5-1 morning line) for Team Repole (Todd Pletcher and Irad Ortiz Jr.) and #12 BETTER BET (7-2) for trainer J.K. Sweezy and Jose Ortiz.
KEENELAND PICK: $5 first leg of Daily Double. ($20)
Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $40K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1 1/8-mileÂ
I like two: #3 REMARKABLE MO (8-1 morning line) for father-son Team Asmussen and #12 ACTIVE DUTY (5-2) for Dallas Stewart and Luis Saez.
KEENELAND PICK: To complete 5, 12 & 3,12 Daily Double.
TOTAL WAGERS: $110
