Mr. Ed’s Pimlico Picks for Friday, May 16:
ASK MR. ED (for he has all the answers): Should the powers-to-be change the Triple Crown schedule?
YES. The current dates are the first Saturday in May (Kentucky Derby), two weeks later (Preakness), and three more weeks (Belmont). These dates have worked well (with few exceptions) for more than 100 years. During that period, 13 horses have won the Triple Crown, or approximately one horse every dozen years. Racing fans in the host cities (Louisville, Baltimore and New York), as well as the race tracks, plan their entire year around the current Triple Crown dates. However, due to evolving training methods and more attractive purses elsewhere, many horsemen now prefer to run their horses once every month or two, rather than once a week or two. Under these circumstances, few horses now compete in all three races (witness this year), all but eliminating the chances of a future Triple Crown winner. Progressive Mr. Ed suggests leaving the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May, while moving the Preakness to the last Saturday in May, perhaps on Memorial Day. And, running the Belmont during the first week of July, perhaps on July 4th. It’s time to keep up with the times, Powers-To-Be, whoever they may be.
NO. Traditional Mr. Ed favors leaving things just as they are. If an owner or trainer wants to compete for the Triple Crown, they should change their training methods without endangering the horse’s well-being. In my lifetime alone, I’ve seen five Triple Crown winners (two within the last decade). The Triple Crown isn’t broken. Leave it alone.
BLACK-EYED SUSAN DAY AT PIMLICO: A day fit for fillies (and mares). With 14 races, six stakes (two graded), who could ask for anything more! Mr. Ed has exclusive selections, including the late Pick 4. Rain is in the forecast. First post is 11:30 a.m. ET. Here are Mr. Ed’s picks.
Mr. Ed’s Pimlico Picks for Friday, May 16
Race 1 (11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. PT) — $54K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed starts the day off with a very chalky pick: #6 VERIFIRE (2-5 morning line), a powerful, promising colt out of the Brian Cox barn. He easily won his debut at Colonial Downs in March. Top jock Flavien Prat returns to saddle.
PIMLICO PICK: $5 Daily Doubles: 6/5,8,10,11. ($20)
Race 4 (1:02 p.m. ET/10:02 a.m. PT) — $54K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going 5 furlongs on the turf
I’ll take a shot of #8 BOURBON BOSS (3-1 morning line). Extra-sharp, MD-based trainer Michael Pino (36% winners in 2025) sends out veteran turfer looking for back-to-back wins. Slight cutback, return of rider Rodriguez adds to the appeal. Mr. Ed will have another shot of Buffalo Trace.
PIMLICO PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (1:33 p.m. ET/10:33 a.m. PT) — $52K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed found a pair worth a wager: #4 ENNIS TOWN (8-5 morning line) gets Lasix, blinkers, and an excellent local rider in Mychel Sanchez; and #7 PRIVMAN (6-5) for the first-class team of Baffert and Prat.
PIMLICO PICK: $10 Exacta Box. ($20)
Race 7 (2:34 p.m. ET/11:34 a.m. PT) — $58K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going a mile on the turf
I like three for the money: #2 BLAME THE TUX (6-1 morning line), making second start after break, cuts back to mile; #7 ARMY OFFICER (2-1) for Cox who hires Prat to ride, and #11 OCEAN CITY (3-1), for team Russell. Mr. Ed spent three decades of summers with his family at OC.
PIMLICO PICK: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 9 (3:36 p.m. ET/12:36 p.m. PT) — $125K HILLTOP STAKES for 3YO fillies going a mile on the turf
Mr. Ed likes #2 PLAY WITH FIRE (6-1 morning line), his HOT PLAY OF THE DAY for sizzling Walsh barn, who hires Prat to get filly home. The recent move to grass and consistent Beyers work for me. Scratch possible.
PIMLICO PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 10 (4:07 p.m. ET/1:07 p.m. PT) — $150K G3 MISS PREAKNESS STAKES for 3YO fillies going 6 furlongs
I’m betting on my #5 FAMILY (6-1 morning line) for out-of-town trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr., who recruits crafty Irad Ortiz, Jr. to ride. Pair of Turfway efforts point to developing, talented filly.
PIMLICO PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 10 (4:07 p.m. ET/1:07 p.m. PT) — $.50 PICK 4
R10: 5,6,12
R11: 9,14
R12: 3,7,8,9
R13: 3,4,7,8 ($48)
Race 13 (5:44 p.m. ET/2:44 p.m. PT) — $300K G2 BLACK-EYED SUSAN STAKES for 3 YO fillies going 1⅛-mile
Mr. Ed likes the daughter of Gun Runner, #4 RUNNIN N GUNNIN (5-2 morning line) for all-time winningest trainer Asmussen and tip-top rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. Bring your guns to the Winner’s Circle.
PIMLICO PICKS: $10 to Win & $5 Exacta Boxes of 4/3,7,8. ($40)
TOTAL WAGERS: $198
