Parx Picks for Saturday, September 20:
HORSING AROUND: Every dog has his day. Today’s howler is the mostly second-class yet super-challenging program at PARX racing outside Philadelphia. After a steady summer diet of graded stakes at Saratoga and turf gems at Kentucky Downs, and with Keeneland’s Fall meet just around the corner, today’s the day top-quality 3YOs remain at home. But that doesn’t mean picking winners gets any easier — and Mr. Ed always plays the hand he’s dealt. With nearly $4 million in purse money spread across 15 dirt-only races, highlighted by the $1M Pennsylvania Derby, there are ample opportunities to cash a ticket — and isn’t that what sports gambling is all about! The forecast calls for lots of sunshine. Mr. Ed spent several hours handicapping today’s dressed-up PARX card. With first post at 11:05 a.m. ET/8:05 a.m. PT, here are his exclusive VSiN picks.
Mr. Ed’s Picks at Parx for Saturday (9/20)
Race 3 (12:05 p.m. ET/9:05 a.m. PT) —$100K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YO fillies going 6½ furlongs
Mr. Ed is counting on trainer/TV analyst Tom Amoss to transport his recent winning ways to Philadelphia with second-time starter #4 CELEBRITY QUEST (9-5 morning line). Jockey switch to Tyler Gaffalione adds to the appeal. A star is born.
PARX SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (12:33 p.m. ET/9:33 a.m. PT) — $100K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going a mile and 70 yards
My choice is #10 PACHELBEL (3-1 morning line) for sneaky-good local trainer Ernesto Padilla-Preciado, who retains regular rider Jorge Vargas, Jr. to push lifetime earnings above the $500,000 mark. Mare goes for 11th win at PARX.
PARX SELECTION: $10 to Win & $5 Daily Doubles with 5,8,10. ($25)
Race 5 (1:01 p.m. ET/10:01 a.m. PT) — $100K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile
I like three wise guys for the money: #8 SPEIGHTSTER RED (8-1 morning line) for hot-shot local conditioner Michael Pino with Paco Lopez up; #10 MY NOBLE KNIGHT (2-1) with Gaffalione, and #11 CALL ME FAST (10-1) with M.J. Sanchez in the saddle off a claim for trainer Jamie Ness.
PARX SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 8,10,11. ($30)
Race 6 (1:31 p.m. ET/10:31 a.m. PT) $100K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6½-furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #3 CEEPEEGEE (4-1 morning line) for trainer Dan Ward, who ships the gelding in from nearby Monmouth Park and names NY journeyman jock Kendrick Carmouche to ride. Lots to like.
PARX SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 7 (2:01 p.m. ET/11:01 a.m. PT) — $100K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 6½ furlongs
Mr. Ed’s pick is #7 EDGE OF TOWN (6-1 morning line) for local owner-trainer Bobbi Hawthorne, who’s won two of three PARX sprints. Horse for the course.
PARX SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 10 (3:32 p.m. ET/12:32 p.m. PT) — $150K LIBERTY BELL STAKES for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 6½-furlongs
I like any two for the money: #1 ALL CLASS (5-1 morning line) with fast-breaking Kendrick Carmouche for shipper Linda Rice; #7 CARMELINA (5-2) for excellent local trainer Robert Reid, and #8 MYSTIC LAKE (2-1), favorite for Saffie Joseph, Jr. Tyler Gaffalione returns after Charles Town score. Too much class!
PARX SELECTION: Exacta Box of 1,7,8. ($30)
Race 10-13 (3:32 p.m. ET/12:32 p.m. PT) — $1 Pick 4*
10: 1,7,8
11: 1,4,8
12: 5
13: 1,2,7 ($27)
* In the event of a scratch, the post-time favorite is the substitute pick.
Race 13 (5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT) — $1,000,000 G1 COTILLION STAKES for 3 YO fillies going 1 1/16-mile
I like #2 LA CARA (7-2 morning line), super-seasoned filly cuts back while retaining under-appreciated NY rider Dylan Davis. Winner of nearly $2 million, the pick sports excellent recent work. Daughter of Quality Road primed for maximum effort.
PARX SELECTION: $8 Daily Double of 2/9. ($8)
Race 14 (6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT) — $1,000,000 G1 PENNSYLVANIA DERBY for 3YOs going 1⅛ mile
Mr. Ed is betting on #9 GOSGER (4-1 morning line) for the excellent Brendan Walsh barn. With first-stringers Sovereignty and Journalism missing while prepping for Breeders’ Cup Classic, the race sets up for improving stalker. Top rider Luis Saez stays aboard after a troubled trip second vs. the best of the 3YO crop.
PARX SELECTION: $20 to Win & $5 Exacta Box of 6,8,9. ($50)
TOTAL WAGERS: $200
NFL PICKS (0-1)
LA Chargers -2.5
