Saratoga Picks for July 29:
HORSING AROUND WITH MR. ED: In an effort to track the profitability of Mr. Ed’s daily selections, beginning today he will post these significant numbers at the conclusion of each racing day: TOTAL WAGERS (bet after scratches); TOTAL TICKETS CASHED Won/Lost for Day; TOTAL RETURN: (+or-). Numbers will be tracked through closing day of the Saratoga meet (Monday, Sept. 7), when they will be re-evaluated for usefulness, success or failure. Bottom line: the numbers will be immodestly referred to as Mr. Ed’s MONEY MACHINE.
THE ALIVE FIVE: A look at Saratoga’s Top 5 jockeys through the first 27 of 46 racing days: 1. PRAT (27) 2. J. Ortiz (24) 3. Franco (19) 4. I. Ortiz, Jr. (18) 5. Santana (12). Keep in mind that over the next six weeks several riders will be accepting out-of-town calls, especially on weekends. Note: Irad Ortiz, Jr., perennial leading jockey, is the rider highest on Mr. Ed’s WATCH LIST as he moves up in the standings.
TOP TRAINERS: Trainer standings after the first four weeks of the 2026 meet are: 1. COX (11) 2. Brown (10) 3. Casse (7) 4. Pletcher (6) 4. Maker (6) 4. DePaz (6). Keep an eye on Linda Rice and Steve Asmussen as their barns move up to join the top ranks in the weeks ahead.
WEDNESDAY AT SARATOGA: While Mr. Ed welcomes the first Wednesday of the 2026 meet, it is with mixed emotions. Great to have another day of racing, disappointed that the program is only eight races, and the card is hardly up to the Spa’s high standards. The program’s highlight is Race 6 — $150K CURLIN STAKES for 3YOs. First post is 1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT. Unfortunately, the forecast calls for rain with highs in the 70s. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections.
Mr. Ed’s picks for Wednesday, July 29
Race 1 — $115K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going a mile (Wilson Shute)
Mr. Ed likes #5 WEDELIA (7-5 morning line) for Brad Cox barn with Irad Ortiz, Jr. riding. Competitive contest, but Irad retaining mount seals the deal. Filly knows how to run in slop.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 2 (1:45 p.m. ET/10:45 a.m. PT) — $45K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s pick is another from Brad Cox, chalky #4 ABRIGADO (1-1 morning line), taking a steep drop while adding blinkers. Irad Ortiz, Jr. returns to ride as he climbs in jockey standings.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 3 (2:20 p.m. ET/11:20 a.m. PT) — $78K STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YOs going 6 furlongs
The only thing not to like about #6 SHARONS BEACH (8-5 morning line) is that he likes to finish second (four of last five). Jonathan Thomas trains, Irad Ortiz, Jr. (who else?), going for hat trick, rides.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 4 (2:55 p.m. ET/11:55 a.m. PT) — $100K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for NY-bred, 3 YOs going 5½ furlongs on the turf
Three for the money: #2 SIR WALTA (6-1 morning line) gets Lasix from trainer David Duggan; top rider Prat returns. Hot trainer Horacio De Paz sends out #5 SULTAN HASSAN (7-2) with Jaime Rodriguez aboard; and #7 HOT OFF THE BEACH (4-1) with Johnny Velazquez riding for Dick Dutrow barn.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 2,5,7. ($30)
Race 6 (4:05 p.m. ET/1:05 p.m. PT) — $150K CURLIN STAKES for 3YOs going 1⅛-mile
Might as well call him Dr. Chalk for Mr. Ed’s choice #4 CHIEF WALLABEE (4-5 morning line). Trained by Bill Mott and ridden always by Junior Alvarado. Tested in Triple Crown competition, Chief’s a deserving favorite today.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 7 (4:40 p.m. ET/1:40 a.m. PT) — $125K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 1 ⅛-mile on the turf
Mr. Ed closes out his wagers picking #5 SERENDIPITY (5-2 morning line) again for the Cox-Ortiz, Jr. combo. Daughter of Street Sense has look and record of budding star.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $110
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Another big plus is Tony is 14-5 with his Top Picks in MLB this year. Be sure to check out Tony’s action at Docs Sports daily.
