Saratoga Picks for Sunday, August 17:
MY FRIEND NICK: I had the chance to meet HOF trainer Nick Zito a few years ago at Keeneland. Since then, I’ve considered him a friend. Though after six decades of training, he no longer has a large stable of stakes competitors, he hasn’t lost his genuine enthusiasm for the game. His win with #5 UNCLECHARLIESGIFT ($8.10) through a well-deserved DQ in Race 3 on Saturday brought a warm smile to his face, and mine—and put a few bucks in my pocket. Well done, friend.
TRACKING MR. ED: The $600K G1 Alabama Stakes was captured by #4 NITROGEN ($6,10), who proved she was as good, if not better, on the dirt. Jockey Luis Saez made fans forget the Bros. Ortiz for a day with four trips to the Winner’s Circle. Irad and Jose Ortiz (see Family Feud below) had a win apiece. And fan fave Katie Davis captured the nightcap for her first win at the meet. As for conditioners, low-key Carlos David won the early Daily Double. At the windows, the average $2 Win ticket returned $10.40. Turning to Sunday, the 10-race card featuring Race 8, The $150K Bolton Landing Stakes, goes to post at 1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT. There is a 35% chance of showers. Here are Mr. Ed’s selections.
Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Picks for Sunday (8/17)
Race 2 (1:45 p.m. ET/10:45 a.m. PT) — $75K STARTER ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares going 6 furlongs
Mt. Ed likes #5 DAISY DUKE (8-5) for low-key trainer Ron Moquett, who retains top rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. after a pair of in-the-money efforts. Shortening up a furlong fits early-speed style.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win & $10 Daily Double of 5/3. ($20)
Race 3 (2:20 p.m. ET/11:20 a.m. PT) — $115K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 5½ furlongs on the turf
I’m betting on Irish-bred #3 KAIRYU (2-5 morning line) to prevail for Cherie DeVaux, who brings Flavien Prat back to ride and gets class relief. A pair of winners.
Race 4 (2:55 p.m. ET/11:55 a.m. PT) — $110K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1 3/16-mile on the grass
Mr. Ed likes three for the money: #1 VALENTINIAN (7-5 morning line) with Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard; #4 NEW MAGIC (3-1) with Flavien Prat in irons, and #6 TRIDENT HIT (6-1) with Jose Ortiz as the leading rider race heats up.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 5 (3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT) — $75K STARTER ALLOWANCE for 3YOs going 6½ furlongs
If Mr. Ed can’t beat the chalk, he might as well join the party as he picks #2 TRUST ISSUES (2-1 morning line) for tough-luck trainer Rob Atras. Bringing Irad Ortiz, Jr. back to ride is a winning move. In Irad I trust.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Races 7-10 (4:39 p.m. ET/1:39 p.m. PT) — $.50 Pick 4*
R7: 1,3,6
R8: 2,3,6,7
R9: 2,5
R10: 5,7,10 ($36)
*In the event of a scratch, the post-time favorite becomes the substitute pick.
Race 8 (5:12 p.m. ET/2:12 p.m. PT) — $150K BOLTON LANDING STAKES for 2YO fillies going 5½ furlongs on the turf
A tough nut to crack with so many good coeds capable of winning. Mr. Ed found four worth using. He settled on NY-bred #6 SACRED GODDESS (9-2 morning line) to win for excellent upstate trainer Jeremiah Englehart. And he’s using #2 MY SWEETHEART (7-2), #3 SNOW FACE PRINCESS (6-1), and first-time starter #7 SHOULD’VE (8-1). The more, the merrier.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win. $5 Exacta Box with 2,3,7. ($40)
Race 10 (6:18 p.m. ET/3:18 p.m. PT) — $47K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 7 furlongs
Saving the best for last, Mr. Ed’s betting that #10 SECURED LENDER (7-5 morning line) will finally break his maiden for top trainer Chad Brown. Prat retained in the saddle as the gelding turns back to sprint. Son of Omaha Beach is certain to be claimed. Mr. Ed’s BEST BET OF THE DAY.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $166
PLAYS OF THE DAY: (19 bets): -$263.85*
BEST BETS OF THE DAY: (18 bets): -$159.50*
FAMILY FEUD: With a mere 11 days of the 40-day 2025 Saratoga meet remaining, Mr. Ed is tracking the duel for leading rider between brothers Irad and Jose Ortiz. Each had a winner on Saturday. The number of wins for each rider at the beginning of Sunday’s 10-race card as follows:
*IRAD: 46 (lost a win by DQ)
JOSE: 43
*3-day suspension pending
TRAVERS WEEK: With the possible exception of Triple Crown weeks, there’s nothing quite like Travers Week at Saratoga. The racing secretary knows how to orchestrate a crescendo, starting with a first-class card on Wednesday and concluding Saturday evening with the running of The Travers. While early indications are the big race may be a walkover for Sovereignty, keep in mind that the Spa has been known as the graveyard of champions for decades. Mr. Ed will return on Wednesday (Day 29 of 40) with his exclusive VSIN selections.
