Mr. Ed’s Kentucky Downs Picks:
TRACKING MR. ED: With the 40 days of Saratoga in the rear-view mirror, it’s off to suburban Nashville, TN, for the final four days of the unique Kentucky Downs meet. If you haven’t had the pleasure of watching and/or handicapping this “race track on a farm,” Mr. Ed encourages you to do so. Think of “a steeplechase without the hurdles” to have some idea of KD’s picturesque, all-turf configuration. Today’s 10-race card, loaded with fat purses, goes to post at 1:35 p.m. ET/10:35 a.m. PT and concludes around five hours later. If you haven’t done so yet, check it out. You’re in for a day of thoroughbred racing like no other. After today, there are only three days remaining in KD’s compact meet: this Saturday & Sunday, and next Wednesday. Let’s look at Mr. Ed’s Kentucky Downs picks for Thursday.
Mr. Ed’s Kentucky Downs Picks
Race 3 (2:29 p.m. ET/11:29 a.m. PT) — $190K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going 1 ½-mile on turf.
To get the day started, Mr. Ed likes #7 YELLOW BRICK (7-2 morning line) for sharp trainer Michael Maker, who hires popular rider Tyler Gaffalione and stretches out 4YO after a fast-closing effort in a dirt sprint at Del Mar. Just follow the road.
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (3:01 p.m. ET/12:01 p.m. PT) — $190K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going a mile on turf
Mr. Ed selects three: #2 CLEVER MISCHIEF (4-1 morning line) for champion Saratoga conditioner Chad Brown with French rider Flavien Prat; #3 DEGREE OF RISK (7-2) for trainer Nolan Ramsey and jockey Luis Saez, and #7 WINSTON WOLF (12-1) for trainer/TV analyst Tom Amoss and Tyler Gaffalione.
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $5 Exacta Box 2,3,7. ($30)
Race 5 (3:24 p.m. ET/12:24 p.m. PT) —$200K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1 ½-mile on turf
I like #7 BETTER BET (5-2 morning line) for trainer Kent Sweeney and Saratoga championship jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., who returns after odds-on score at Spa.
KENTUCKY DOWNS BEST BET: $20 to Win. ($20)
Races 7-10 (4:43 p.m. ET/1:43 p.m. PT) MULTI-RACE WAGER
R7: 1,3,4
R8: 2,3,6
R9: 4,5,8,13
R10: 2,5,7
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $.50 PICK 4. ($54)
Race 8 (5:17 p.m. ET/2:17 p.m. PT) — $200K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6 ½ -mile on turf
Mr. Ed likes #2 IMPLEMENTATION (9-2 morning line) for hot trainer Saffie Joseph with Tyler Gaffalione riding. Savy barn switches gelding to turf after dull dirt effort at Spa.
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $10 to Win & Box in Exacta with 3,6. ($30)
Race 9 (5:51 p.m. ET/2:51 p.m. PT) — $500K ONE DREAMER STAKES for fillies & mares 3YOs & up going 1 mile & 70 yards
In stakes of the day, Mr. Ed likes #8 ANATOLIAN (4-1 morning line) for trainer Michael Maker, who brings the mare back after time off for good behavior. Turn back, recent works and rehiring rider Tyler Gaffalione all add to appeal.
KENTUCKY DOWNS PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $164
LOOKING AHEAD: Mr. Ed continues at Kentucky Downs for a weekend of country grass racing. With NY racing dark until Friday the 13th, many of the East’s top thoroughbreds, conditioners and riders will be on hand to compete in full fields and millions in purse money.
NFL OPENER PICK: Colts-Ravens OVER 46.5
