Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks for Saturday, May 31:
MR. ED RIDES AGAIN: Welcome to Stephen Foster Preview Day. It’s great to be back in the saddle. There’s nothing quite like time away from the Past Performance charts to sharpen one’s handicapping skills. For Mr. Ed’s return, Churchill Downs serves up a tasty menu of graded stakes (lobsters), allowances (crab cakes) and claiming (shrimp) contests. As for the weather, there’s a 50-50 chance of showers. Let’s check out today’s smokin’ hot picks.
Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Selections for Saturday, May 31
Race 1 (12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT) — $120K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs & Up going 1⅛ miles
Mr. Ed likes a pair: #1 BOURBON SOCIETY (4-1 morning line) for sharp trainer Ian Wilkes, who names son-in-law Chris Landeros for repeat ride, and #2 CROMWELL (3-1) for excellent conditioner Cherie DeVaux, who counts on Jose Ortiz to give the colt a winning ride. Extra distance holds the key. I’ll toast the winner.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 1,2/4,11. ($20)
Race 2 (1:14 p.m. ET/10:14 a.m. PT) — $64K CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
I like either of two to successfully complete Daily Double: #4 UNCASHED (4-1 morning line), who drops in class for Larry Rivelli, with Walter Rodriguez in saddle, and #11 ONE COOL DUDE (6-1), returning from break for trainer Jordan Blair with Jaime Torres riding. Dude cashes winning DD ticket.
Race 4 (2:14 p.m. ET/11:14 a.m. PT) — $120K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies 3YOs & Up going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s LONGSHOT OF THE DAY is #5 SCARCE (6-1 morning line), expensive filly making third start for up-and-coming trainer Whit Beckman, who adds blinkers. Vet rider Florent Geroux returns to the saddle.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place ($20)
Race 5 (2:46 p.m. ET/11:46 a.m. PT) — $125K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YO fillies going 1 1/16-mile
I’m betting on three: #2 TETIAROA (3-1 morning line) for crafty horseman Phil Bauer, who retains jockey Jose Ortiz; #6 CLICQUOT (5-2), schooled by hot trainer Brendan Walsh and top rider Irad Ortiz Jr., and #7 HEAVENLY SUNSET (7-2) for always tough trainer Brad Cox with Flavien Prat riding.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 6 (3:18 p.m. ET/12:18 p.m. PT) — $275K G3 ARISTIDES STAKES for 4YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes tested veteran, $1.9 million-earner #6 SKELLY (7-5 morning line), trained by skillful Steve Asmussen and ridden by Ricardo Santana. My PLAY OF THE DAY. Super sprinter poised to wire the field.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 7 (3:51 p.m. ET/12:51 p.m. PT) — $275K AUDUBON STAKES for 3YOs going 1⅛-mile on turf
My other longshot is #4 MESERO (10-1 morning line) for the all-star team of Dale Romans and Corey Lanerie. Based on recent races, I’m betting stone-cold closer will upset the field. Expensive son of Not This Time loves to run late.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $5 to Win & Place. ($10)
Race 8 (4:23 p.m. ET/1:23 p.m. PT) — $0.50 ALL-STAKES PICK 4
R8: 1,3,6,7
R9: 2,8,9
R10: 4,7,9
R11: 5,7,8 ($54)
Race 10 (5:27 p.m. ET/2:27 p.m. PT) — $275K G3 BLAME STAKES for 4YOs & Up going 1⅛-mile
Mr. Ed likes three: Outstanding #4 MYSTIK DAN (4-1 morning line) with regular rider Brian Hernandez returning; #7 MOST WANTED (7-2) for tip-top trainer Brian Cox, and #9 POST TIME (3-1) for popular Mrs. & Mr. Russell.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $184
SARATOGA RACING FESTIVAL: Beginning next Wednesday and running through Sunday, June 8, Saratoga Race Course will host five consecutive days of first-class thoroughbred racing while the never-ending renovation of Belmont Park continues. The highlight of the multi-stakes festival will be the running of the G1 Belmont Stakes next Saturday. Unfortunately, Mr. Ed will miss the in-person action at the Spa. Fear not, racing fans. He plans to be here at VSiN.com with his exclusive selections for the entire festival.
