Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Picks:
TRACKING MR. ED: Wednesday resulted in a mixed bag with nine different trainers each capturing a race apiece. As for riders, overachieving local rider Dylan Davis was the only jockey to win two races. The average win ticket returned $10.50 for $2. For those who have been following Mr. Ed’s recent selections, one of his most-memorable racing moments was being at Finger Lakes Race Track in Upstate New York to see the immortal maiden Zippy Chippy lose his 93rd straight of 100 races in a winless career. Be patient, folks. Mr. Ed is no Zippy Chippy On to Thursday’s Saratoga picks, where G3 Caress Stakes for fillies and mares highlights the 10-race card. First post is 1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT. Rain is in the forecast.
Mr. Ed’s Best Bets at Saratoga for Thursday, July 25
Race 2 (1:44 p.m. ET/10:44 a.m. PT) — $28K CLAIMING for fillies and mares 4YOs & up at 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #6 CONDIMENT GIRL (5-2 morning line), from the loaded Linda Rice barn. Jose Ortiz returns to ride 5YO mare. Tasty gal relishes chance to have others play catch-up.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 Win & Place. ($20)
Race 3 (2:18 p.m. ET/11:18 a.m. PT) — $110K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares 3YOs & up at 1 ⅜-mile on turf
If race stays on grass, Mr. Ed likes #1 HAY STACK (9-2 morning line) for promising new Kentucky-based trainer Whit Beckman who brings Tyler Gaffalione back to ride. If race is moved to main track due to inclement weather, I like #10 GOLDEN DEGREE (2-1) for powerful Linda Rice-Jose Lezcano team.
SARATOGA PICK: Either way, $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (2:52 p.m. ET/11:52 a.m. PT) — $55K CLAIMING for fillies and mares 3YO & up at 1 1/16-mile on turf
I like #10 NEXT ON STAGE (8-1 morning line) on turf regardless of track condition. Lots to like about this sophomore gal who has finished in the money in nine of her 10 starts. She drops in class as her speed ratings continue to improve. Ricardo Santana, who rode her to 12-length win in last, retained by trainer Horacio De Paz.
SARATOGA PICK: $5 to Win, Place & Show. ($15)
Race 7 (4:35 p.m. ET/1:35 p.m. PT) — $50K STARTER ALLOWANCE for 4YOs & up going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed pick is #6 PRINTRACK (2-1 morning line), making second start on comeback for Rudy Rodriguez and Rajiv Maragh. Victory today would give son of Awesome Again an even dozen over productive career.
SARATOGA BEST BET OF DAY: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 8 (5:10 p.m. ET/2:10 p.m. PT) — $95K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
I like #8 DOLOMITE (8-5 morning line) for leading trainer Chad Brown and NY-based fan favorite rider Manny Franco. Filly gets Lasix for first 2024 start. Mighty gal.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 9 (5:45 p.m. ET/2:45 p.m. PT) — G3 $200K CARESS STAKES for fillies and mares 4YOs & up at 5 ½-furlongs on turf
Mr. Ed likes three for off-the-turf ONLY: #9 ZEITLOS (15-1 morning line) for trainer Asmussen; #11 STAR GUEST (5-1) for Appleby, and #14 SPEEDY TRAVELER (6-1) for Bauer.
SARATOGA PICKS: $5 EXACTA BOX & $5 DAILY DOUBLES with #7 KORU (7-2) & #12 DAKOTA COUNTRY (5-2) in Race 10 (6:19 p.m. ET/3:19 p.m. PT). ($60)
TOTAL WAGERS: $135
