Mr. Ed’s Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs Picks for Saturday, May 3:
KENTUCKY DERBY DAY: While the Derby gets most of the attention, the rest of the 13-race, eight-hour racing extravaganza deserves the attention of any serious or casual handicapper. It’s important to keep in mind that the Derby is restricted to 3Y0s, while the vast majority of today’s races are not. Three-year-olds are referred to as sophomores in racing lingo, meaning most resemble awkward teenagers. So, I encourage all to take a look at the other dozen races and you will find the truly talented upperclassmen and ladies, many of them millionaires of horseracing. Unfortunately, more rain and storms are expected throughout the day. For additional insights from Mr. Ed, check out VSiN’s Kentucky Derby Betting Guide, available to all PRO subscribers. May the racing gods be with you! Now, a look at Mr. Ed’s Derby Day selections (and good luck to all).
Mr. Ed’s Selections at Churchill Downs for Derby Day 05/03
Race 1 (11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT) — $120K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3Y0s & Up going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed likes a pair: #2 CROMWELL (9-2 morning line) for superwoman trainer Cherie DeVaux with top jock Jose Ortiz, and #8 SANSONE (6-1), expensive son of Uncle Moe. Shug McGaughey trains, Joel Rosario rides.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $5 Daily Doubles 2,8/7,10 ($20)
Race 2 (11:32 a.m. ET/8:32 a.m. PT) — $134K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going a mile
To complete the Daily Double, I like #7 NORMANDY QUEEN (9-2 morning line) for veteran trainer Ron Moquett, who recruits Flavien Prat to ride, and #10 GENEROUS LOVER (7-2), who sports fast works for Joe Sharp. Big rider upgrade with Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Race 3 (12:05 p.m. ET/9:05 a.m. PT) — $127K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed’s betting on #5 GOAL ORIENTED (4-1 morning line) for trainer Bob Baffert, who hires Flavien Prat to ride the fast son of Not This Time as he stretches out – and scores!
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (12:38 p.m. ET/9:38 a.m. PT) — $200K KNICK’S GO STAKES for 4YOs & Up going a mile
I like three: #9 LIBERAL ARTS (3-1 morning line) for confident trainer Brad Cox with Luis Saez returning to the irons; #10 IMPLEMENTATION (6-1) for Team Ramsey with Manny Franco riding, and #11 INVEIGLED (10-1) for talented trainer Jane Cibelli and young Ben Curtis.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 5 (1:12 p.m. ET/10:12 a.m. PT) — G2 $750K CHURCHILL DISTAFF for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going a mile on the turf
Mr. Ed’s choice is #10 SPECIAL WAN (5-2 morning line) for hot Brendan Walsh barn; Luis Saez retains the ride after a stakes win at Gulfstream. Something special.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 6 (1:53 p.m. ET/10:53 a.m. PT) — G2 $600K PAT DAY MILE for 3YOs
I like #1 MADAKET ROAD (2-1 morning line). Bob Baffert brings jockey Irad Ortiz back to guide the speedy sophomore to a graded stakes win.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 7 (2:38 p.m. ET/11:38 a.m. PT) — G2 $600K TWIN SPIRES SPRINT for 3YOs & Up going 5 ½ furlongs on the turf
Mr. Ed’s pick is #7 THINK BIG (4-1 morning line) for sly veteran trainer Michael Stidham with young regular rider Ben Curtis. Sprinter knows how to finish the task. Big 7 wins Race 7. Are you feeling lucky?
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 8 (3:23 p.m. ET/12:23 p.m. PT) — G1 $1M CHURCH DOWNS STAKES for 4YOs & Up going 7 furlongs
I like trio: #7 MINDFRAME (3-1 morning line) for Repole-Pletcher-Irad fans; undefeated #10 NYOS (4-1) for Baffert-Prat fans, and #11 MULLIKIN (7-2) for Rudy Brisset fans, who hires sharp Luis Saez to ride.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 9 (4:06 p.m. ET/1:06 p.m. PT) — G1 $1M AMERICAN TURF CLASSIC for 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed’s betting on #3 NEW CENTURY (3-1 morning line) for sizzling trainer Brendan Walsh, who hires top jock Irad Ortiz, Jr. to ride. British-born turfer is easy to like.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 12 (6:57 p.m. ET/3:57 p.m. PT) — G1 $5M KENTUCKY DERBY for 3YOs going 1¼-mile
Mr. Ed likes longshot #12 EAST AVENUE (20-1 morning line) for the hottest trainer Brendan Walsh on track with Manny Franco riding. Also, favorite #8 JOURNALISM (3-1) and #9 BURNHAM SQUARE (12-1). (See VSiN Betting Guide for details.)
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $20 to Win & Place & $5 Exacta Box. ($70)
TOTAL WAGERS: $210
