Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Picks for Saturday, July 26:
TRACKING MR. ED: It’s Jim Dandy Day at the Spa. While the G2 $500K event (Race 10) for 3YOs has drawn a rather lackluster, five-horse field, the presence of sophomore superstar Sovereignty more than compensates. The winner of the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes will go to the post at no better than 1-5. Sharing the spotlight on the 12-race card is $175K G3 Lake George Stakes (Race 9) for 3YO coeds. Looking at Friday’s results, Kentucky import 3YO Smoken Wicked captured the featured Amsterdam Stakes for trainer Dallas Stewart and jockey Brian Hernandez. When all was said and run on the 10-race card, the Bros. Ortiz (Irad & Jose) each had a pair of winners while no trainer had more than one score. At the windows, the average $2 ticket returned $8.10. As for today, look for cloudy skies and a high in the mid-80s. Early first race post time is 12:35 p.m. ET. Here are Mr. Ed’s picks.
Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Picks for Saturday (07/26)
Race 1 (12:35 p.m. ET/9:35 a.m. PT) — $68K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes three: #1 GUN IT (5-1 morning line) for sneaky good trainer Ilkay Kantamarci, who brings Manny Franco back to ride; #2 LOCO ABARRIO (5-2) for promising young conditioner Will Walden, who hires top rider Irad Ortiz, Jr., and #5 FRIAR LAURENCE (4-1) with top team of Linda Rice and Luis Saez.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 3 (1:40 p.m. ET/10:40 a.m. PT) — $36K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 7 furlongs
Young Maryland-based leading trainer Brittany Russell sends out #8 TARPAULIN (5-2 morning line) with top Spa jockey Jose Ortiz. Speed figures keep improving as the sophomore makes his fourth start.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (2:13 p.m. ET/11:13 a.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs going 1⅛ mile
Mr. Ed’s betting #1 ARTHUR’S RIDE will use the rail post to get a jump on others. Top team of Bill Mott & Junior Alvarado drops after three consecutive G1 efforts, including a win in last year’s Whitney Stakes. A string of works indicates that Arthur’s ready to roll.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 6 (3:17 p.m. ET/12:17 p.m. PT) — $95K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 1 1/16 mile on the turf
Mr. Ed’s PLAY OF THE DAY is #5 SAIL WITH THE WIND (8-1 morning line), trained by popular upstate NY trainer Jeremiah Englehart, who retains smilin’ Katie Davis to ride. Third race back in form cycle. Look for closer sailing on home in the stretch.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $5 to Win, Place & Show. ($15)
Race 8 (4:28 p.m. ET/1:28 p.m. PT) — $95K ALLOWANCE for NY-bred 3YOs going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #3 VEKINDA (4-1 morning line). Popular New York rider Manny Franco rejoins top meet conditioner George Weaver as the gelding returns from break. Last work indicates he’s ready to earn a second win at a fair price.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 9 (5:04 p.m. ET/2:04 p.m. PT) — $175K G3 LAKE GEORGE STAKES for 3YO fillies going 1 1/16 mile on the turf
Mr. Ed’s BEST BET OF THE DAY is #5 CLASSIC Q (2-1 morning line) for HOF trainer Mark Casse looking for repeat win with 87 speed figure on the grass at the Spa. Jose Ortiz returns to the saddle. This Q’s for you.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 10 (5:41 p.m. ET/2:41 p.m. PT) — $300K JIM DANDY STAKES for 3YOs going 1⅛ mile
Mr. Ed hails the return of Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes champion #5 SOVEREIGNTY (2-5 morning line). Good luck, champ. See you at the Breeders’ Cup in California. But today he’s just too chalky for my money.
SARATOGA SELECTION: Pass.
Race 11 (6:16 p.m. ET/3:16 p.m. PT) — $90K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for NY-bred fillies and mares, 3YOs & up
Mr. Ed likes a pair: #2 SASSETTI (10-1 morning line) for James Bond (007), who hires Jose Ortiz to ride, and #3 OFF SCRIPT (9-2), off the claim from Chad Brown barn, for young Will Walden. Bro Irad Ortiz, Jr. rides. Let’s get one home.
SARATOGA SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 2,3/7,9. ($20)
Race 12 (6:49 p.m. ET/3:49 p.m. PT) — $55K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile on the grass
I like two to complete the wager: #7 FATEFUL LIGHTNING (2-1 morning line) for the powerful Cox-Franco combo, and #9 BATTLE DRUM (6-1) for another powerful duo of Pletcher & Ortiz, Jr. Double your pleasure.
TOTAL WAGERS: $135
PLAYS OF THE DAY (11bets): -$160.20
BEST BETS OF THE DAY (10 bets): -$43.00
SUNDAY AT THE SPA: Day 14 of the annual Saratoga meet features the $250K G2 Glens Falls (Race 7) turf marathon for older gals. A competitive field of eight is entered. Race 3 is for expensive 2YO maidens going a mile on the turf. Filling out the rest of the 10-race card are several allowance and claiming contests. Be sure to check the weather forecast as afternoon showers are possible. Mr. Ed will be back with his exclusive VSiN selections. And remember folks, a bad day at the track beats a good day anywhere else.
