Kentucky Downs Picks for Saturday, September 6:
ALL TURF, ALL THE TIME: Today’s 12-race turf extravaganza has to be one of the richest, most challenging cards in all of U.S. racing. It’s a true blessing for the avid horseplayer. Let me count the ways: A dozen hours of grass racing consisting of six stakes, each with purse money in excess of at least $1 million, accompanied by three allowances and another three full-field maiden contests. More than 100 horses, five dozen trainers and more than a score of riders. Mr. Ed has been looking forward to today with the enthusiasm of youngsters armed with fistfuls of tokens awaiting doors to open at a high-tech, video-gaming establishment. So, mark up your PPs, front load your debit card, and join Mr. Ed for a day full of thoroughbred action. Make note: There is a 45% chance of showers on Saturday in the Nashville metro area. First post is 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT. Here are Mr. Ed’s picks.
Mr. Ed’s Kentucky Downs Picks for Saturday (9/06)
Race 1 And they’re off! $170K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YO fillies going 6½-furlongs
Mr. Ed starts with a DD: #1 SADIE EARP (9-5 morning line). First two races indicate she has outlaw potential to steal this one for the Ward-Dettori gang, and #10 HUMOR ME BABY (9-2) with big rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione for Walsh barn.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 1,10/6,9. ($20)
Race 2 (1:04 p.m. ET/10:04 a.m. PT) — $200K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1 5/16-miles
Mr. Ed likes either of two to complete DD: #6 BAIL US OUT (6-1 morning line), another rider upgrade to Gaffalione for Walsh and #9 GILDED CRAKEN (9-2) as Jose Ortiz returns to ride for hot Joe Sharp stable.
Race 3 (1:38 p.m. ET/10:38 a.m. PT) — $190K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going a mile
I’m betting on #11 PRINCESS ATTITUDE (4-1 morning line) to be crowned a winner for Vicki Oliver and Joel Rosario. Well-traveled, consistent filly can handle this so-so group.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (2:13 p.m. ET/11:13 a.m. PT) — $220K ALLOWANCE for 3YO fillies going 6½ furlongs
Mr. Ed’s banking on a trio: #9 LOVE CERVERE (7-2 morning line) for young trainer Miguel Clement with Rosario returning to the irons; #10 RICH CITY GIRL (9-2) for solid trainer Larry Rivelli with Jareth Loveberry riding, and #12 PROUD STARLET (4-1) with major rider upgrade to Jose Ortiz. It’s love actually.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 6 (3:24 p.m. ET/12:24 p.m. PT) — $2 MILLION G3 LADIES MARATHON INVITATIONAL for 3YOs & up going 1 5/16-miles
Red hot trainer Joe Sharp brings British import #8 MIWA (4-1 morning line) back a week after winning with a sizzling 93 speed figure over the course. Jockey Jose Ortiz returns.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 8 (4:35 p.m. ET/1:35 p.m. PT) — $2 MILLION GUN RUNNER STAKES for 3YOs going a mile
Mr. Ed’s choice is #7 NEW CENTURY (5-1 morning line) for the powerful duo of Brendan Walsh and Irad Ortiz, Jr., who returns. Big class drop, addition of blinkers keys to victory.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 9 (5:11 p.m. ET/2:11 p.m. PT) — $1 Pick 3
R9: 3,9,10
R10: 7,8
R11: 3,5,6,9,11 ($30)
Race 11 (6:21 p.m. ET/3:21 p.m. PT) — $2.5 MILLION G2 TURF CUP INVITATIONAL for 3YOs & up going 1½-miles
I like #3 TAWNY PORT (10-1 morning line) for trainer Miguel Clement with new rider Manny Franco. Play top and bottom with #6 GRAND SONATA (4-1), #9 ANGLOPHILE (8-1), and #11 FORT WASHINGTON (9-2).
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place and $5 Exacta Boxes 5,6,9,11. ($50)
TOTAL WAGERS: $180
TWO MORE DAYS OF KENTUCKY DOWNS RACING: Tomorrow’s 11-race card and closing day next Wednesday. Mr. Ed will be back here both days with his exclusive VSiN selections.
