Kentucky Downs Picks for Saturday, August 30:
TRACKING MR. ED: Day 2 of 7 at Kentucky Downs offers more than $10 million in purse money, including the feature $3.5 million Nashville Derby Invitational. Sunny skies and a high near 80 are expected. The 12-race program goes to post at 12:25 p.m. ET/9:25 a.m. PT. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s selections.
Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Picks for Saturday (8/30)
Race 1 (12:25 p.m. ET/9:25 a.m. PT) — $170K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going a mile
Mr. Ed likes a pair: #4 CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH (9-2 morning line) for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr., with Tyler Gaffilione riding, and #10 RUNNING GAME (3-1) for upstart trainer Joe Sharp, who retains Jose Ortiz.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTIONS: $5 Daily Double of 4,10/3,4. ($20)
Race 2 (12:57 p.m. ET/9:57 a.m. PT) — $170 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YO fillies going a mile
I like either of two to complete DD: #3 GRAZIE PREGO (8-1 morning line) for always tough trainer Al Stall, Jr. with new rider Joel Rosario, and #4 ONTOLOGY (5-1) for Brendan Walsh with jockey Tyler Gaffalione returning.
Race 4 (2:01 p.m. ET/11:01 a.m. PT) — $190K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
My money’s on #11 OUR STARRY NIGHT (9-2 morning line) for excellent trainer Philip Bauer, who makes a big rider upgrade to Luis Saez. Colt is going for back-to-back wins. A star is born.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 6 (3:05 p.m. ET/12:05 p.m. PT) — $170K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
I’m betting on longshot #10 MARY’S LAD (8-1 morning line) for promising trainer Whit Beckman after gelding the 3YO following a fast-closing debut effort. Young Ben Curtis retains the mount.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTIONS: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 7 (3:37 p.m. ET/12:37 p.m. PT) — $1,000,000 BOWLING GREEN GOLD CUP INVITATIONAL for 3YOs & up going 2 1/16-miles
I refuse to give up on #3 TAWNY PORT (9-2), who,after several triumphs when younger, has failed to regain his former excellent form. One more chance for Mr. Ed. Trained by Miguel Clement, Joel Rosario rides for the first time. Play at your own risk.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $5 to Win, Place & Show. ($15)
Race 8 (4:14 p.m. ET/1:14 p.m. PT) — $2,000,000 G2 NEVER SAY DIE LADIES TURF SPRINT for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 6½ furlongs
Another disappointing elder, who used to win for Mr. Ed, is #2 ZEITLOS (6-1 morning line). Her last race on the turf might have reawakened her. Trained by Steve Asmussen, I’ll give her another chance to shine with Junior Alvarado aboard.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Races 9-11 (4:52 p.m. ET/1:52 p.m. PT) — $2 Pick 3
R9: 2,7,11
R10: 2,5,12
R11: 2,7 ($36)
Race 10 (5:46 p.m. ET/2:46 p.m. PT) — $3,500,000 G3 NATIONAL DERBY INVITATIONAL for 3YOs going 1 5/16-mile
Mr. Ed likes #5 BURNHAM SQUARE (6-1 morning line) for Kentucky trainer Ian Wilkes and go-to rider Brian Hernandez, Jr. Gelding must take advantage of class drop to enter Winner’s Circle.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $20 to Win, $10 to Place. ($30)
Race 11 (6:25 p.m. ET/3:25 p.m. PT) — $2,000,000 G3 LADIES TURF for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going a mile
To close out the card, Mr. Ed’s betting on #7 SACRED WISH (8-1 morning line) to regain her winning ways by upsetting this less-than-stellar field. Class drop and cutback to mile enhance her chances.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
TOTAL WAGERS: $171
SUNDAY AT THE DOWNS: Many more millions on the turf on Sunday, Day 2 of the current seven-day meet. Race 1 of the rich 11-race card goes to the post at 1:25 p.m. ET/10:25 a.m. PT. The weather forecast is sunny and warm. Look for Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections.
