Saratoga Picks for August 13:
HORSING AROUND WITH MR. ED: When Mr. Ed approaches the windows at Saratoga, a fight breaks out among the tellers to punch his losing tickets. The last time he couldn’t cash a ticket, the track was closed. Oh, the agony of defeat! Mr. Ed tried to phone this column in, but no one at VSiN would take his call. For those who can’t wait to the end column to see the current loss number, after a thorough, independent audit, it’s $258.21. On Wednesday, jockey Jose Ortiz topped all others with a four-bagger. On to Thursday at Saratoga, which is open. Let’s take a look at Mr. Ed’s action.
Mr. Ed’s Selections for Thursday, 8/13
Race 1 (1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT) — $100K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for NY-bred fillies & mares going 5½-furlongs on the turf
Mr. Ed likes either of these two: #4 DAYLIGHT DREAMER (9-2 morning line) for savvy Upstate NY trainer Jeremiah Englehart with Kendrick Carmouche riding, or #5 MY LIL ARMY GIRL (4-1), trained by hot Horacio De Paz, ridden by Manny Franco. Two to start DD.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 4,5/2,5. ($20)
Race 2 (1:44 p.m. ET/10:44 a.m. PT) — $71K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs and up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed has confidence in both of these: #2 MO THE MERRIER (9-2 morning line) for popular Kenny McPeek rider with rider TBD (to be determined) and #5 THE STANDARD (2-1) for all-time winningest trainer Steve Asmussen with Ortiz bro Jose riding.
Race 4 (2:54 p.m. ET/11:54 a.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 1 3/6-mile on the turf
Mr. Ed’s BEST BET OF THE DAY is #5 TULIP (5-2 morning line) for young Will Walden, stretching out while switching riders to Junior Alvarado and dropping in class. The changes will do her good.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 5 (3:29 p.m. ET/12:29 p.m. PT) — $43K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s betting on #3 VEKOMANCER (2-1 morning line) for improving Linda Rice barn and new rider Manny Franco. Return to dirt keys road to victory.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 7 (4:39 p.m. ET/1:39 p.m. PT) — $125K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 5½-furlongs on the turf
Mr. Ed’s pick is #6 SHOOT IT TRUE (1-1) for excellent trainer Wesley Ward with rider TBD. Filly ready to roll following 60 days away.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 8 (5:14 p.m. ET/2:14 p.m. PT) — $200K BIRDSTONE STAKES for 3YOs going 1¾-mile
Mr. Ed likes two to kickstart late DD: #3 STARS AND STRIPES (5-2 morning line) for HoF trainer Bill Mott, ridden by Luis Saez. He also likes #7 JOKESTAR (4-1) for Canadian trainer Kevin Attard with Jose Ortiz.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 3,7/2,10. ($20)
Race 9 (5:49 p.m. ET/2:49 p.m. PT) — $115K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s picks are #2 CRITERIA (5-2 morning line) for classy Chad Brown and TBD picking up mount, and #10 HOLY SEVEN (5-1) for Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen with Jose Ortiz returning to the saddle.
COST OF TODAY’S PLAYS: $90
UPCOMING AT THE SPA: In reviewing Thursday’s early edition of the program, Mr. Ed found a pair of Daily Doubles and the feature R8 $200K BIRDSTONE STAKES, a marathon for 3YOs to his liking. First post is at 1:10 p.m. ET. Unfortunately, there is a 65% chance of showers, so plan accordingly. Big Day ahead on Saturday featuring several stakes. Make note: Top rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. is nursing an injury and is not expected to return until August 22nd.
Mr. Ed’s MONEY MACHINE
(through Wednesday, August 12, 2026)
TOTAL BETS: (after scratches): $759.00
WON/LOSS: -$500.79
TOTAL RETURN: -$258.21*
(*after independent audit)
SPONSORED
AUGUST YOUNG is now 21-3 (88%) this WNBA season for almost +7K, which includes an absurd 16-1 (94%) winning run for +5,760!
FULLY DOCUMENTED HERE
Young is coming off another easy winner last night as he continues to dominate the women’s pro league. Access his premium WNBA picks at Doc’s Sports with a free $60 new member account. Get your free trial here!
