Mr. Ed’s Best Bets for Gulfstream on Saturday, December 16
BELMONT STAKES SHUFFLES OFF TO SARATOGA: It’s been a dozen days or so since the New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced that the 2024 Belmont Stakes, the third jewel in the Triple Crown, would be conducted at Saratoga Race Course next June. The move is necessitated by major renovations currently underway at Belmont. At first, I thought it was no big deal. Now, Mr. Ed’s not so sure.
As a result of the relocation, the 1 ½-mile test of champions will be cut back in distance to 1 ¼-mile in order to better fit the Saratoga track configuration. Look for a dreaded * next to the name of the 2024 winner.
The race will be run on Saturday, June 9, the final day of what’s being billed as the four-day Belmont Racing Festival. As an annual visitor to the Spa for more than four decades, Mr. Ed should be delighted by the change of venue to his favorite race place. However, news that patrons might be restricted from bringing coolers, beverages and food on to the grounds, which include nearly a thousand fan-friendly picnic tables, troubles me.
A day at the Spa is like a day at a county fair for families, not just horseplayers. Let fans eat and drink what they bring along rather than fleecing them for $8 beers and $10 hot hogs. Also, local homeowners are treating the festival like a gold rush, charging up to $5K for a four-night rental.
Finding qualified staff for the short meet also presents a major headache for the NYRA. I can live with shortening the distance of the race, but don’t use the relocation as an excuse to extort the little guy and his family. The Belmont is a big city event. Don’t let it ruin the existing small-town atmosphere of the event and the Saratoga Springs community.
WINNING RIDERS: Three of the nation’s top jocks — brothers Irad and Jose Ortiz and Tyler Gaffalione — have live runners at Gulfstream Park today. Among them, they have 27 mounts. Mr. Ed is betting the trio will capture at least seven of the 11 races.
TRACKING MR. ED: Last week’s picks resulted in a mixed bag, producing an odds-on winner ($37) and a satisfactory late daily double ($32.40). I cashed those two tickets worth $69.40 on plays of $112.00 for a net loss of $42.60. Stick with Mr. Ed. There are winning days ahead, beginning today at Gulfstream, with the first race going to post at 12:10 p.m. ET/9:10 a.m. PT. Here is today’s mixed bag of picks:
(WEATHER ALERT: Forecast calls for unusually inclement conditions on Saturday in South Florida, which may result in several scratches and surface changes.)
Gulfstream Park Races 1 & 2 (12:10 p.m. ET/9:10 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes a $4 Daily Double
Race 1: 5, 6, 7
Race 2: 1, 9 ($24)
Gulfstream Park Race 3 (1:07 p.m. ET/10:07 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes the favorite #1 TOP LOOK (9-5 morning line) with superstar Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons. Making her first start off the claim by solid conditioner Jorge Delgado, the three-year-old daughter of The Factor should benefit from the innermost post. If the gal breaks alertly, she may never be headed. Filly has the look of a winner, albeit at a short price. Wager: $20 to Win. ($20)
Gulfstream Park Race 5 (2:05 p.m. ET/11:05 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed is willing to take a chance on British-bred #6 VARIABLE COST (6-1 morning line) for excellent trainer Jack Sisterson. This gelding broke his maiden in his last race at Presque Isle Downs. Today, he gets a significant rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione. Look for him to repeat. Wager: $10 Win and Place and $5 Daily Double of 6-6 ($25)
Gulfstream Park Race 6 (2:34 p.m. ET/11:34 a.m. PT)
I like #6 MO TWILIGHT (7-2 morning line) to complete the riding double for Gaffalione. Mark Casse sends out the maiden granddaughter of Uncle Mo for her first effort over the synthetic surface. She disappointed as choice in her last. Today is her time to shine. Wager: $5 to Win and Place. ($10)
Gulfstream Park Race 8 (3:33 p.m. ET/12:33 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed is betting on #9 HIDDEN PRESENCE (6-1 morning line) to break her maiden at a generous price for trainer Graham Motion at a mile on the turf. HOF rider Johnny Velazquez climbs aboard. Wager: $10 to Win and Place. ($20)
Gulfstream Park Races 9-11 (4:02 p.m. ET/1:02 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes a multiple-race bet with a $1 Late Pick 3
Race 9: 3, 4
Race 10: 1, 3, 5
Race 11: 1, 5, 8 ($18)
Gulfstream Race 11 (5:02 p.m. ET/2:02 p.m. PT)
To round out a winning day, Mr. Ed likes a trio: #1 VALUE ENGINEERING (2-1 morning line); #5 SIX MINUS (10-1), and #8 MCLOVIN (5-2). Wager: $4 Exacta Box. ($24)
TOTAL WAGERS: $141
WHAT WILL MR. ED (8-4*) DO ON SUNDAY?
Bet Falcons -2.5 to cover vs. Panthers
*against the spread
