Mr. Ed’s Preakness and Pimlico Picks for Saturday, May 17:
THUNDERSTORM DELAYS BLACK-EYED SUSAN: After a delay of more than an hour, the feature G2 Black-Eyed Susan stakes was run and won by #3 MARGIE’S INTENTION ($7.00). The delay was caused by dangerous lightning surrounding the track. Earlier, the sight of the near-empty grandstand was sad. Granted, the inclement forecast may have kept many at home, but I also think the absence of a contested Triple Crown also diminished interest in racing this weekend. Here’s hoping a huge crowd turns out for today’s Preakness. As for Friday’s numbers, well-known jockeys Irad Ortiz, Jr. and Flavien Prat, and lesser-known Tyler Connor led all riders, each with two victories. Fans were treated to competitive races with full fields and generous returns. While inclement weather continues to disrupt outdoor sporting activities all along the East Coast, a hot, sunny day is expected Saturday at Pimlico. Let’s take a look at Mr. Ed’s picks.
Mr. Ed’s BEST BETS at Pimlico for Saturday, May 17
Race 1 (10:30 a.m. ET/7:30 a.m. PT) — $58K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed kickstarts his selections with a Daily Double using #5 AUGUSTA MELODY (9-5 morning line), with Irad Ortiz, Jr. riding, and #7 EXPLORATION (7-2), with Sheldon Russell on board. Both trained by Russell’s wife, excellent trainer Brittany. A powerful pairing.
PIMLICO PICK: $5 Daily Double of 5,7/9,11 ($20)
Race 2 (11:05 a.m. ET/8:05 a.m. PT) — $54K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going a mile on the turf.
To finish off the Double, Mr. Ed likes #9 DROP THE HAMMER (2-1) for Graham Motion stable with Irad Ortiz, Jr., and #11 BETULA for young trainer Bethany Baumgardner and HOF jockey Johnny Velazquez.
Race 3 (11:41 a.m. ET/8:41 a.m. PT) — $54K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YO-6YOs going 1 1/16-mile
I’m taking a shot on #4 ENERGIZE (6-1 morning line) for one of my favorite trainers, Michael Stidham, who hires Jose Ortiz to ride. Should like the stretchout.
PIMLICO PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 4 (12:16 p.m. ET/9:16 a.m. PT) — $150K G3 MARYLAND SPRINT for 3YOs & Up Going 6 furlongs
I’m looking for speedy #6 BOOTH (7-5 morning line) to wire the field for super trainer Steve Asmussen and ridden by his son Erik. Sprinter has won 6 of 10, including the last three with Eric aboard. Chalky pick knows how to win.
PIMLICO PICK: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 6 (1:28 p.m. ET/10:28 a.m. PT) — $128K SKIPAT STAKES for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going six furlongs
Mr. Ed likes three: #3 ONE MAGIC PHILLY (9-5 morning line). Classy filly can sprint with the best; #5 ZEITLOS (2-1) from the Asmussen outfit, and #7 STRIKER HAS DIAL (5-2), NY import. Three ladies are the best in field.
PIMLICO PICK: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 8 (2:48 p.m. ET/11:48 a.m. PT) — $150K CHICK LANG STAKES for 3YOs going 6 furlongs
My choice is #8 ONE NINE HUNDRED (7-2 morning line) for NY-based trainer Tom Morley and top rider Flavien Prat. Works evidence of speed. I like his numbers.
PIMLICO PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 9 (3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT) — $125K JIM MCKAY TURF SPRINT for 3YOs & Up going 5 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s LONGSHOT OF THE DAY is #4 WITTY (10-1 morning line) for respected local conditioner Elizabeth Merryman, who attracts the always-sharp Flavien Prat to ride powerful closer. Look for him to be first at the wire.
PIMLICO PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Races 10-13 (4:11 p.m. ET/1:11 p.m. PT) — $.50 Pick 4
R10: 1,6
R11: 3,5,6,7
R12: 6,9,13
R13: 1,2,8 ($36)
Race 13 (7:01 p.m. ET/4:01 p.m. PT) — G1 $2 million PREAKNESS STAKES for 3YOs going 1 3/16-miles
Since posting his horse profiles earlier this week on VSiN, nothing has happened that would keep Mr. Ed from betting on prohibitive favorite #2 JOURNALISM (8-5 morning line) to win. The Preakness comes down to a race within a race with classy JOURNALISM crushing the other eight rivals in the first one, and #1 GOAL ORIENTED (6-1) and #8 CLEVER AGAIN (5-1) prevailing over the remaining six sophomores.
PREAKNESS PICK: $10 Exacta Box 2/1,8. ($40)
TOTAL WAGERS: $196
MISS ME YET? Mr. Ed is taking some time off to celebrate his granddaughter’s high school graduation. Mr. Ed will return on the May 31-June 1 weekend.
