Kentucky Downs Picks for Thursday, September 4:
TRACKING MR. ED: Having bid goodbye to his woefully miserable Saratoga meet on Labor Day, Mr. Ed turns his time and money to what remains of his handicapping prowess during the final four days of the current Kentucky Downs meet. In addition to today’s 11-race card, look for Mr. Ed’s VSiN picks here on Saturday and Sunday and for the KD finale next Wednesday. In addition to a sprinkling of rich maiden, claiming and allowance contests (all on the grass), today’s feature is Race 9, the $500K MINT ONE DREAMER stakes for fillies and mares. The weatherman calls for a 45% chance of showers. First race post is set for 1:25 p.m. ET/10:25 a.m. PT. Join Mr. Ed as he seeks to restore his reputation for picking his share of thoroughbred winners.
Mr. Ed’s Kentucky Downs Picks for Thursday (9/04)
Race 1 (1:25 p.m. ET/10:25 a.m. PT) — $170K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes a pair of youngsters: #3 CARSON STREET (4-1 morning line) for savvy trainer Brendan Walsh with jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr., hopefully returning to action following a nasty spill over the weekend at Saratoga. He also likes #8 MISTER PUNCH (5-1) for top conditioner Brad Cox with Flavien Prat riding.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 3,8/5,11. ($20)
Race 2 (1:58 p.m. ET/10:58 a.m. PT) — $170K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 1 5/16-miles
To successfully complete the DD, Mr. Ed likes #5 PLOT (9-2 morning line) for trainer Tom Drury with Brian Hernandez Jr. in the saddle and #11 WEIGHTED AVERAGE (5-2) for the excellent pairing of Chad Brown and Tyler Gaffalione.
Race 3 (2:31 p.m. ET/11:31 a.m. PT) — $190K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going a mile
I’m betting on #7 WALLEY WORLD (3-1 morning line), pricy son of super-sire More Than Ready, trained by Saffie Joseph, Jr. and ridden by Tyler Gaffalione. Poised to score.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (3:05 p.m. ET/12:05 p.m. PT) — $190K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going 1½ miles
Mr. Ed likes a trio: #3 COMMON DEFENSE (4-1 morning line) with the powerful partnership of Kenny McPeek and Brian Hernandez, Jr.; #6 AMBITION (12-1) for Keith & Steve Asmussen, and #7 TIME SONG (3-1) for trainer Jonathan Thomas and legendary jockey Frankie Dettori. Counting on two of three.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 5 (3:39 p.m. ET/12:39 p.m. PT —$170K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YO fillies going a mile
I like #10 CLASSIC GLIDE (8-1 morning line), who gets a big rider upgrade to Johnny Velazquez for trainer Robert Medina. Showed interest in finishing second in mid-August debut at Ellis Park. Improvement expected after quick work.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 6 (4:13 p.m. ET/1:13 p.m. PT) — $190K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 1 5/16-miles
Mr. Ed’s pick is #6 ALWAYS FOREVER (8-1 morning line) for trainer Brad Cox with rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione. Barn due to heat up.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 7 (4:48 p.m. ET/1:48 p.m. PT) — $200K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for fillies and mares 3 YOs & up going a mile
Mr. Ed will bet on three: #7 LANDED (8-1 morning line) for trainer Wesley Ward and jockey Johnny Velazquez; #8 LORD I WONDER (15-1) for superior trainer Al Stall, Jr. and promising young rider Luan Machado; and #10 RAMSEY POND (9-2) for Saffie Joseph, Jr. training and Irad Ortiz, Jr. in the saddle.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box 7,8,10. ($30)
Race 9 (5:57 p.m. ET/2:57 p.m. PT) — $500K MINT ONE DREAMER STAKES for fillies and mares, 3 YOs & up going 1 mile & 70 yards
Mr. Ed likes a late DD: #4 GRAYOSH (4-1 morning line) for Chad Brown-Flavien Prat combo, and #5 VIVE VEUVE (5-2) for hot trainer Joe Sharp with Brian Hernandez, Jr. riding. Running for a hat trick.
KENTUCKY DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 4,5/11,12. ($20)
Race 10 (6:31 p.m. ET/3:31 p.m. PT) — $200K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1½ miles
To close out the card, Mr. Ed’s picks are #11 MUTAAWID (7-2 morning line) for Michael Maker with Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard, and #12 NAVY SEAL (4-1) with Victor Espinoza for Wesley Ward, hoping to repeat the recent Spa victory.
TOTAL WAGERS: $140
