Saratoga Picks for Friday, August 15:
TRACKING MR. ED: Four jockeys, including the Bros. Ortiz (Irad Jr.& Jose), had two winners apiece on a mostly sloppy racing surface on Thursday. Others having two trips to the Winner’s Circle were HOFer Javier Castellano and NY journeyman Eric Cancel. At the windows, the average $2 Win ticket returned $11.40. Turning to Friday’s 10-race card, featuring Race 9 $150K SMART AND FANCY STAKES, Mr. Ed was hard-pressed to find many solid picks to share. Hate to say it, but if you are looking for sure-fire winners, you’ve come to the wrong place. Saturday’s card is more promising. Today’s racing program begins at 1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT. The weather forecast: Sunny, fast and firm with a high in the low-80s. Here are Mr. Ed’s selections:
Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Picks for Friday (8/15)
Race 2 (1:45 p.m. ET/10:45 a.m. PT) — $58K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going a mile
To get the wagering started, Mr. Ed likes two: #4 INVICTUS (9-5 morning line) for overdue trainer Brad Cox, who retains popular NY jockey Manny Franco. Colt drops, adds blinkers and stretches out. And, #5 THE BOONDOCKER (7-2) for Chad Brown, who drops for a tag, shortens up and gets a huge rider upgrade.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 4,5/5,6. ($20)
Race 3 (2:20 p.m. ET/11:20 a.m. PT) — $38K for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up, going a mile
To complete the DD, Mr. Ed likes: #5 HERE’SYOURTROUBLE (3-1 morning line) for Linda Rice, who changes riders to Kendrick Carmouche, and #6 EMPLOYEEOFTHEMONTH (7-2) for trainer Jose D’Angelo, who names leading rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. to pilot the filly. Two are tied in the spelling bee.
Race 4 (2:55 p.m. ET/12:55 p.m. PT) — $100K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for NY-bred fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 5½ furlongs on the turf
Mr. Ed likes a trio: #2 BUSTIN BULLET (6-1 morning line) for Safie Joseph, Jr. who adds blinkers while retaining Irad Ortiz, Jr., #4 BELLACOSE (8-1) for speed specialist Wesley Ward who keeps HoFer Johnny Velazquez in saddle, and #6 JUST ADD WATER (4-1) with Jose Ortiz riding for Chad Summers, who knows how to win at Spa. Mr. Ed’s PLAY OF THE DAY.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 5 (3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT) — $72K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going a mile on the turf
My win candidate is #7 THE NOMINEES ARE (7-2 morning line) for Chad Brown training and Manny Franco riding. Tampa Bay Downs shipper in for big tag. The envelope, please.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Races 7-10 (4:39 p.m. ET/1:39 p.m. PT) — $.50 Pick 4*
R7: 3,4,7
R8: 4,5,7
R9: 3,4,6
R10: 2,4 ($27)
*In the event of a scratch, the post-time favorite becomes the substitute pick.
Race 7 (4:39 p.m. ET/1:39 p.m. PT) — $63K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for fillies going 6½ furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #3 VOLATILE MARKET (8-1 morning line) for exceptional trainer Steve Asmussen, who brings back top jock Irad Ortiz, Jr. Pitch last in slop. Added distance in her favor. He’s also using #4 GOLDEN IRISH (3-1) and #7 HEY COOKIE (7-2).
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win. $5 Exacta Box. ($40)
Race 8 (5:12 p.m. ET/2:12 p.m. PT) — $50K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs going a mile on the turf
Mr. Ed’s BEST BET OF THE DAY is #5 WILL NOT BE SWAYED (2-1 morning line) for disappointing (until now) Brad Cox barn. Irad Ortiz, Jr. joins the team. Second on grass, extra distance keys to victory. That’s Mr. Ed’s story, and he’s sticking to it.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $157
PLAYS OF THE DAY: (18 bets): -$262.10
BEST BETS OF THE DAY: (16 bets): -$224.50
(If you’re disappointed by the above results, think how Mr. Ed feels! But don’t fret. He’s been here before and finished the meet strong.)
FAMILY FEUD: With a mere 14 days of the 40-day 2025 Saratoga meet remaining, Mr. Ed thinks it would be entertaining to track the duel for leading rider between brothers Irad and Jose Ortiz. Here are the number of wins for each rider going into Friday’s 10-race card (both are listed to ride in all 10 races today):
*IRAD: 44
JOSE: 41
*3-day suspension pending
ALABAMA DAY AT THE SPA: Saturday’s Race 10 on the 12-race card, the G1 $600K ALABAMA STAKES, can best be described as the female version of The Travers, coming up next weekend. Both races are contested at a mile and a quarter and restricted to 3YOs. Unfortunately, this year, both races look to have no more than a half-dozen contestants. The Alabama field shapes up as a battle of three contenders and three pretenders. On the undercard is the $150K SKIDMORE STAKES, for 2YO fillies. Early post time for the program is 12:35 p.m. ET/9:35 a.m. PT. Sunny skies and high in the mid-80s are expected.
