Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Picks for Friday, July 11:
TRACKING MR. ED: When sunny skies unexpectedly appeared, seemingly half of my sloppy track picks did, too (scratched). However, hitting the early 2-7 Daily Double for $38.50 helped erase my disappointment. Jockey Flavien Prat broke quickly from the gate to seize the early lead in the top-rider race, winning the first three races. Jose Ortiz had two wins, while his bro Irad was held to a single visit to the Winner’s Circle. On a quirky Day 1 of the 40-day meet, the average $2 win ticket returned a healthy $17.10. Today’s 10-race card goes to post at 1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT. Showers are again in the forecast. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s picks.
Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Picks for Friday (07/11)
Race 1 — $38K CLAIMING FOR 3YOs & up going 1 ⅛-mile
To get the day started, Mr. Ed has the winning Daily Double. He likes #1 GOLDEN PURCHASE (2-1 morning line) for veteran trainer Bruce Levine, and #4 SOLO EMPIRE (3-1) with French-import Flavien Prat in the irons.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 1,4/2,4. ($20)
Race 2 (1:44 p.m. ET/10:44 a.m. PT) — $60K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
To complete the winning Double, Mr. Ed likes #2 SHE’S COOL (4-1 morning line) with Irad Ortiz, Jr. riding, and #4 BOURBON SERENGETI (2-1) with bro Jose Ortiz in the saddle. Nothing beats bourbon on the rocks.
Race 3 (2:18 p.m. ET/11:18 a.m. PT) — $95K ALLOWANCE for NY-bred 3YOs going 1⅛-mile
Mr. Ed likes #4 PINEAPPLE MAN (4-1 morning line), trained by Michelle Nevin, who recruits popular NY rider Kendrick Carmouche to ride. He needs a better trip on the dry strip. Fruity choice.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (2:52 p.m. ET/11:52 a.m. PT) — $100K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for NY-bred fillies and mares going 1 1/16-mile on the
turf
Mr. Ed’s BEST BET OF THE DAY is the coupled entry of #1 COLLABORATION (1-1 morning line), for Linda Rice, and #1A RED BURGUNDY (1–1). Even if only one runs, Mr. Ed is confident his pick will prevail.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 5 (3:27 p.m. ET/12:27 p.m. PT) — $95K CLAIMING for 3YO fillies going 7 furlongs
My choice is #4 LOW KEY (5-2 morning line) for trainer/TV analyst Tom Amoss, who dials up Jose Ortiz to ride. Drop in class and cut back to sprint keys to victory. I prefer Amoss in the saddle over Tom on TV.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 7 (4:35 p.m. ET/1:35 p.m. PT) — $175K CORONATION CUP for 3YO fillies going 5½ furlongs on the grass
Mr. Ed likes #1 MAKE HASTE (2-1 morning line), British import for excellent new trainer Miguel Clement, who hires top-notch Flavien Prat to guide filly to victory. She’s training well and will benefit from the inside post.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 3,6,7. ($30)
Races 7-10 (4:35 p.m. ET/1:35 p.m. PT) — $1 Pick 4*
R7: 1,3,6,7
R8: 3,7,8
R9: 1,4,9
R10: 2,12 ($36)
*in event of a scratch, the post-time favorite becomes the substitute pick
Race 9 (5:44 p.m. ET/2:44 p.m. PT) — $100K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for NY-bred 3YOs & up going a mile on the turf
My pick is #9 LAUREL VALLEY (6-1 morning line) for trainer Michael Maker, whose stable has been doing well lately. Attracting Flavien Prat to ride attests to the gelding’s fitness. He’s named for the popular western PA mountainous area.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win. $5 Daily Double of 9/12. ($15)
Race 10 (6:19 p.m. ET/3:19 p.m. PT) — $110K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile on the turf
Mr. Ed’s PLAY OF THE DAY is #12 KING OF ASHES (5-1 morning line) for popular trainer Brendan Walsh, whose barn has been on a roll lately. With Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard, the versatile colt is poised for a big effort from the outermost post. All hail the king!
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
TOTAL WAGERS: $151
PLAY OF THE DAY (1): Race 8, #10 scratched. ($0.00)
BEST BET OF THE DAY (1): Race 5, #9 scratched ($0.00)
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Some golf. Some fish. I go to the track” — lifetime racing fan Randy Hill, owner of Race 2 winner Devil in Disguise.
SATURDAY (Day 3) AT THE SPA: Two competitive graded stakes, G2 Bowling Green and the G1 Dunkin’ Diana, highlight the 12-race card on the first Saturday of the meet. Early post time:12:35 p.m. ET/9:35 a.m. PT. Forecast: 50% of rain. Mr. Ed will be here with his exclusive VSiN selections.
