Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Picks:
TRACKING MR. ED: Perennial best-of-the-best Spa jockeys Irad Ortiz Jr. booted home three winners to move atop the rider race. The average $2 win ticket returned a chalky $10.30. Mr. Ed, beginning to hit his stride, had a couple of winners after losing a wrongful OBJECTION ruling for another score earlier. Saturday’s 12-race card is first-class, highlighted by a pair of graded stakes: The Alfred G. Vanderbilt (Race 6) and The Jim Dandy (Race 10). Mr. Ed is fired up for Day 11 of the 40-day Spa meet. Sunny skies and 35,000 fans are expected. Let’s take a look at his Saratoga picks.
Mr. Ed’s Best Bets at Saratoga for Saturday, July 27
Race 1 (12:35 p.m. ET/9:35 a.m. PT) — $100K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs going 1 1/16-mile on turf
Mr. Ed likes #3 ATOMIC AGE (7-2 morning line) for deep-pocketed owner Peter Brant, trainer Chad Brown and jockey Flavien Prat. Who could ask for anything more? A nuclear combination.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win and $5 Daily Doubles with 3,5,7 in Race 2. ($25)
Race 2 (1:07 p.m. ET/10:07 a.m PT) — $90K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs & up going 7 furlongs
I like a trio: #3 IRON MAN IRA (9-5 morning line); #5 TINEBAR (3-1), and #7 SORORITY PRANK (6-1). One of these will graduate.
SARATOGA PICK: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 3 (1:40 p.m. ET/10:40 a.m PT) — $60K CLAIMING for 4YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s betting #7 MASTER OF ARMS (9-2 morning line), trained by John Ortiz and ridden by Ricardo Santana will hit wire first. Combo hopes to repeat Thursday’s score. Extra furlong suits runner’s style.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (2:46 p.m. ET/11:46 a.m. PT) — $70K STARTER ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going 1 ⅛-mile
I like #4 WHO’S THE KING (5-2 morning line) for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., whose barn had a surprise winner earlier this week. A repeat of last race’s 87 speed figure would beat this bunch. Tyler Gaffalione knows colts. Crown the king.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 6 (3:20 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT) — G1 $350K ALFRED G. VANDERBILT HANDICAP for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #5 SUBROGATE (7-2 morning line) to spring an upset of speedball #6 SKELLY (6-5). Trained by low-profile, high-percentage conditioner Jorge Duarte and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., 4YO son of Arrogate, it should sit perfectly trip behind early speedsters. Colt has won his last three. Let’s go for four.
SARATOGA PICK: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 8 (4:29 p.m. ET/1:29 p.m. PT) — $100K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies and mares 3YOs & up going 5 ½ furlongs
I like three for the money: #1 SCARLET POPPY (2-1 morning line) with Flavien Prat; #4 ARRASOU (7-2) with Irad Ortiz Jr., and #11 UNHIDDEN GEM (8-1) with Julien Leparoux. Top jocks in the spotlight.
SARATOGA PICK: $5 Exacta box. ($30)
Race 10 (5:43 p.m. ET/2:43 p.m. PT) — G2 $500K JIM DANDY STAKES for 3YOs going 1 ⅛-mile.
Mr. Ed is willing to eat chalk with ultra-consistent, tested #1 SIERRA LEONE (1-1 morning line), trained by Chad Brown and ridden by skillful Flavien Prat. I’m counting on a speed duel to wear down others in the stretch. Next stop: Travers Stakes next month.
SARATOGA PICK: $20 to Win & $5 Exacta box of 1,2,3 ($50)
Race 11(6:17 p.m. ET/3:17 p.m. PT) — $95K ALLOWANCE restricted to NY breds going 1 1/16-mile on turf.
My pick is #8 WHISTLER’S HONOR (9-2 morning line) for sneaky good trainer Jorge Abreu, who recruits top jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. His last three races have been solid and return to grass a big plus. What an honor.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win & $5 Daily Doubles with 1,4 in Race 12. ($25)
TOTAL WAGERS: $195
SPOT PLAY:
Del Mar Race 10 (9:38 p.m. ET/6:38 p.m. PT)
G1 $400K Bing Crosby Stakes at 6 furlongs
Picks: 3-7-1
