Editor's note: last summer, Ed Sehon (aka Mr. Ed) called this column "Saratoga on (about) $100 a Day." This year, he's just doing the weekend cards (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays) but still approaching each day with around $100 in plays as if he was just trying to beat the races on a given day. Here are his plays for Friday as we head into the final weekend of the meet:
Race 3 (2:15 p.m. ET/11:15 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed needs some #1 Good (performance-enhancing) Medicine (9-2 morning line). Primo trainer Todd Pletcher rehires turf specialist Flavien Prat to steer sophomore to his maiden victory. At 1 3/8th miles on turf, Prat will have plenty of sod over which to work out ground-saving trip from inner-most post. Just what Dr. Ed ordered. Wager: $20 to Win.
(cost $20)
Races 4-6 (2:49 p.m. ET/11:49 a.m. ET)
I like a mid-card $2 Pick 3
Race 4: #4 Khalil Magic (5-2 morning line). Rider Manny Franco returns. #5 Bustin Bay (3-1) for hot trainer and jock. #7 Impazible Donna (6-1). New rider Prat is key.
Race 5: Two, #1 Eylara (7-2) and #6 Classic Colors (4-1) for Clement and two, #4 Control Function (8-1) and #8 Santa Giulia (6-1), for Brown get job done.
Race 6: #5 Banterra (3-1) for Asmussen/Prat and #10 Security Code (5-2) with Serpe/Gaffalione.
(cost $32)
Races 7-10 (4:29 p.m. ET/1:29 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes a pricey $0.50 Pick 4 ticket
Race 7: 3,5,7,9
Race 8: 1,2,4,6
Race 9: 2,6,8
Race 10: 5,8,9
(cost: $72)
Race 8 (5:05 p.m./2:05 p.m. PT)
I like #1 Big Package (7-2 morning line). Three time’s a charm for rider Jose Ortiz as he draws advantageous post for turf sprint. Trainer David Donk is having an outstanding meet. Gelded son of Big Brown scores here. Wager: $20 to Win and $5 1,2,6 Exacta Box.
(cost: $50)
WEEK 7 WAGERS: $342
WEEK 7 CASHED TICKETS: $336.50
WEEK 7 NET LOSS: -$5.50
MEET-LONG WAGERS (7 of 8 weeks): $1,967
MEET-LONG TICKETS CASHED: $1,023.70
MEET NET LOSS: -$943.30
TODAY'S TOTAL WAGERS: $174
