Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Picks for Friday, July 25:
TAKING A WALK ON THE DARK SIDE: In light of Mr. Ed’s somewhat dismal handicapping results over the first ten days of the current Saratoga meet, he spent a few hours after Tuesday’s races (and before watching the incredible Billy Joel documentary on HBO) searching for a magic elixir that would turn his fortunes around and back on a positive track. And, what did Mr. Ed learn? It was something he realized years ago when he was just a horseplaying pup. Never underestimate the ability of serious Saratoga bettors—and the sharp morning line maker— to identify winners and whistle a happy tune to the pay window. Since Opening Day, when all has been said and run, favorites have been winning 37% of the races. Truly an astounding number. So, looking at Mr. Ed’s picks yesterday and today, you might notice his intended tilt toward the morning line favorites. How come? I once received a birthday card that read, “Don’t worry, Mr. Ed, someday your ship will come in and you’ll be at the railroad station.” So, for the immediate future, Mr. Ed will depart the price-hunting confines of Grand Central to become a chalk-eating weasel taking a walk on the dark side of Chalk City searching for the Dock of Good Fortune.
TRACKING MR. ED: Primo rider Irad Ortiz Jr. with four wins; Manny Franco, with a pair of scores and trainer Chad Brown with three trips to the Winner’s Circle all had a good Day 11 (Thursday) of the current Saratoga meet. At the windows, the average $2 Win ticket returned $12.26. And, Mr. Ed, on the back of a few chalky picks, showed signs of returning to life for VSiN followers. First post for Friday’s 10-race card is 1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT. Weather forecast: 60% chance of showers, high in the mid-80s. Here are Mr. Ed’s selections.
Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Picks for Friday (07/25)
Race 1 (1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT) — $90K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 6½ furlongs
Any time Mr. Ed has a chance to support smilin’ Katie Davis, regardless of odds or conditions, he takes it. He likes #1 MISS IM PULSIVE (9-5 morning) to wire the field for young trainer Amelia Green. Impulse bet.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win & $10 Daily Double 1&6. ($20)
Race 2 (1:46 p.m. ET/10:46 a.m. PT) — $47K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 6½ furlongs
To complete the Daily Double, Mr. Ed likes #6 MISS LAO (9-2 morning line) for Linda Rice, who brings Dylan Davis back to ride. Trainer is 19% first after claim.
Race 3 (2:22 p.m. ET/11:22 a.m. PT) — $72K MAIDEN CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going a mile on the turf
No better time to jump on board with trainer Joe Sharp, who’s having a standout meet. Therefore, Mr. Ed likes #4 ASHES AND DIAMONDS (3-1 morning line); retains Jose Ortiz, takes blinkers off and moves to turf.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 4 (2:58 p.m. ET/11:58 a.m. PT) — $36K for 3YOs & up going 1 ⅛ mile
Mr. Ed likes #5 WHO’S THE KING (8-5 morning line) for Saffie Joseph, who’s winning 20% of his starts. The key is Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons. Solid works indicate 4YO is ready to score. Hail to the king! BEST BET OF THE DAY.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($20)
Race 5 (3:34 p.m. ET/12:34 p.m. PT) — $55K MAIDEN CLAIMING for fillies and mares going 5½ furlongs on the grass
Another chalky play for Mr. Ed, who likes the Linda Rice-Flavien Prat combo coming off claim in debut. #5 NEW ISSUE (5-2) is my pick, and I’m sticking with her.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($20)
Race 6 (4:09 p.m. ET/1:09 p.m. PT) — $47K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going a mile
I like three: #4 J J’S JOKER (6-1 morning line) with popular rider Manny Franco; #6 PEEK (3-1 morning line) with super-rider Flavien Prat, and #7 HERO STATUS (7-2) drops for Norm Casse with Ricardo Santana in the saddle.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box ($30)
Races 8-10 (5:19 p.m. ET/2:19 p.m. PT) — $1 Pick 3
PLAY OF THE DAY
R8: 3,4,6
R9: 1,4,6
R10: 3,4,9 ($27)
TOTAL WAGERS: $137
PLAYS OF THE DAY (11 bets): -$130.20
BEST BETS OF THE DAY (10 bets): -$42.00
SATURDAY AT THE SPA: Saving the best for last, the 12-race card features two excellent stakes contests, Race 9 the G3 Lake George and R10 the G2 Jim Dandy, starring 2-5 morning line favorite Sovereignty. The card also offers several competitive allowance and claiming races. Early first post is 12:35 p.m. ET/9:35 a.m. PT. Weather forecast: Partly cloudy with a high in the mid-80s. Chalk-eating weasel Mr. Ed will return with his picks.
