Saratoga Picks:
TRACKING MR. ED: While the Big Boy riders were on the Jersey Shore for the stakes-rich Haskell (won by the resilient Dornoch) card, NY hometown hero Dylan Davis had four winners at the Spa. Another NY regular, Manny Franco, stayed home as well and had two winners. Average Win ticket at the Spa cashed for $12.30. Coaching Club American Oaks winner Thorpedo Anna might just be the fastest horse, regardless of gender, in racing. Looks as if she will meet both Dornoch and Fierceness in the Travers Stakes in late August. Now, let’s take a look at Mr. Ed’s Saratoga picks for Day 9 of the 40-day meet.
Mr. Ed’s Best Bets at Saratoga for Sunday, July 21
Race 2 (1:41 p.m. ET/10:41 a.m. PT) — $70K STARTER ALLOWANCE for fillies & mares, 3YO & up at 1 ⅛-mile
Mr. Ed likes #6 YO PUEDO (9-2 morning line) for trainer Robert Medina, who switches the rider to young Jose Gomez. Improving speed figures, earned at competitive Churchill Downs, show steady improvement.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 3 (2:31 p.m. ET/11:31 a.m. PT) — $55K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 5 ½ furlongs on the turf
I like a trio: #5 JAVA BUZZ (9-2 morning line) for deep Linda Rice stable; #6 MUSICAL MAESTRO (4-1) for Rudy Rodriquez, and #10 DEVIL IN DISGUISE (7-2) for George Weaver barn.
SARATOGA PICK: $5 Exacta box. ($30)
Race 4 (2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT) — $100K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHTS for fillies and mares 3YOs & up going 1 ½-mile on the turf
Mr. Ed’s pick is #9 MS. SEDONA (7-2 morning line). I’m willing to pitch the last race flop at the Big A and looking for the gal to improve off an earlier solid effort at Keeneland. Hot trainer Michael Maker hires Luis Saez to ride. Arizona dreaming.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 6 (3:50 p.m. ET/12:50 p.m. PT) — $45K CLAIMING for 3YOs going 6 furlongs
I’m betting #5 WHENLOVETAKESOVER (9-5 morning line) will return to his previous frontrunning style on switch to dirt. Sneaky good trainer Ray Handal brings Kendrick Carmouche back to take over.
SARATOGA PICK: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 10 (6:15 p.m.ET/3:15 p.m. PT) — $110K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going 1 ⅛-mile
Mr. Ed likes a pair: #6 ROCKETEER (3-1 morning line) for top trainer Brad Cox and rider Tyler Gaffalione, and #8 BLACK RAIN (8-5) for Todd Pletcher and Irad Ortiz Jr.
SARATOGA PICK: $5 Daily Double of 6,8 and 4,8,12 in Race 11. ($30)
Race 11 (6:49 p.m. ET/3:49 p.m. PT) — $100 ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs, bred in NY going 1 1/16-mile on turf
I like three: #4 UNION TRAIL (15-1 morning line) with promising Katie Davis aboard; #8 LOCKE AND KEY (12-1) with legendary Frankie Dettori, and #12 HUSH OF A STORM (7-2) with leading rider Flavien Prat.
SARATOGA PICK: $5 Exacta box of 5,8,12. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $160
