Mr. Ed’s Best Bets, Friday, October 13
FRIDAY AT KEENELAND: Blue skies with a high near 80 expected. The 10-race card is a mix of maiden contests and optional/claimers highlighted by Race 9 — the marathon $300K Sycamore stakes at 1 1/2 miles on the turf for three-year-olds and up. With the exception of a single gelded sophomore, European import Bold Act for accomplished trainer Charles Appleby, the 12-horse field consists of older, richer, more experienced starters (see my selection below).
BACK ON THE RIGHT TRACK: After being shut out on Opening Day last Friday, Mr. Ed bounced back on Saturday, cashing two tickets worth $100 on after-scratches plays of $133 for a net loss of $33. Today’s card offers several opportunities for Mr. Ed and followers to improve on their investment. Here are his selections beginning with:
Races 1&2 (1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT)
I have a solid play #5 SOUND DOCTRINE (5-2 morning line) in the first leg. If I can couple him with one of five maidens in the second, the return should be profitable. Wager: $4 Daily Doubles of 5/2,4,6,7,9. ($20)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes #10 CONVERSING (6-1 morning line). After more than a year, popular sire Into Mischief’s offspring appears ready to return for McGaughey’s outfit. Return to turf, addition of Lasix and rider change to Prat add to the appeal. Wager $10 to Win and Place. ($20)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT)
# 11 DREAM KEEPER (10-1 morning line) is my PRICE PLAY OF THE DAY. The gelded son of Super Saver sports past speed figures that make the outsider competitive. Trainer Doug Cowans is winning at a 26% clip for the year. Bullet work indicates he’s ready to spring an upset. Pleasant dreams. Wager $5 Win, Place & Show. ($15)
Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes a trio: #5 HIGHESTDISTINCTION (3-1 morning line); #8 KING VEGA (9-2), and #9 OCEAN ATLANTIQUE (8-1). Wager: $5 Exacta box. ($30)
Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT)
#4 GENETICS is ready to break her maiden in this $100K route. The pricy daughter of super sire Tapit, trained by HOFer Bill Mott and ridden by Joel Rosario, she will appreciate stretch out to 1 1/16-mile. Wager: $10 Win & Place. ($20)
Race 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT) — G3 $300K Sycamore Stakes
My choice is veteran marathoner #3 BOLD ACT (7-2 morning line). A victory points the gelding toward a date in the Breeders’ Cup in three weeks. Top European trainer Charlie Appleby brings Jamie Spencer with him across the pond to ride. Bold move. Wager: $10 to Win & Place and $5 Exacta box 3/5. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $135
CUP COUNTDOWN: The Breeders’ Cup (November 3-4 at Santa Anita) begins three weeks from today.
