Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Picks:
WITH THREE WEEKS TO GO: While Mr. Ed is far from satisfied with his Saratoga picks thus far, he is confident there are successful days ahead. Four decades of experience have taught him that the toughest part of a Saratoga meet often is the first 15-20 days as horses, trainers, and riders begin to settle into predictable performance patterns. Stick with me. Between now and closing weekend on Labor Day, the final three weeks will offer numerous opportunities for profitable plays.
TRACKING MR. ED: After 24 days of the 40-day Spa meet, here’s a look at the jockey and trainer standings. Irad Ortiz Jr. is outdistancing other riders with 33 wins; Taylor Gaffalione (26) moved into second, followed by Flavien Prat (25), and local favorites Dylan Davis (18) and Manny Franco (15). With Irad on the bench for the next three days due to a stewards’ suspension, now is the time for Tyler to cut into Irad’s lead. As for trainers, perennial leader Chad Brown sits atop the standings with 21 victories, followed by Michael Moore (15), Todd Pletcher (14), Bill Mott (12) and Mark Casse (10). Looking ahead, Mr. Ed believes current underperforming jockeys Luis Saez (11) and Joel Rosario (8) should improve along with trainers Brad Cox (6) and Linda Rice (9).
THIS WEEK AT THE SPA: Eight stakes races are scheduled between now and Sunday. The highlight will be the G1 $600K Alabama Stakes for 3YO fillies going 1 ¼-mile on Saturday. Today’s nine-race card features $125K Suzie O’Cain Stakes for 3YO NY-bred fillies going 1 1/16-mile on the turf. Post time for today’s first race is 1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT. Sunny skies, high in the low-80s expected. Let’s take a look at Wednesday’s Saratoga picks.
Mr. Ed’s Best Bets at Saratoga for Wednesday, August 14
Race 2 (1:44 p.m. ET/10:44 a.m. PT) — $100K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for NY-bred fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going a mile
I like #3 MIDTOWN LIGHTS (9-5 morning line), trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Manny Franco; filly returns from break and drops into claiming ranks for the first time. Bound for Broadway.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 3 (2:18 p.m. ET/11:18 a.m. PT) — $120K for fillies and mares 4YOs & up going 1 1/16th mile on turf
Mr. Ed likes trio: #4 MIDNIGHT MILE (9-5 morning line) for powerful Chad Brown-Flavien Prat combo; #7 IMMENSITUDE (7-2), promising French import making third U.S. start for HOF trainer Bill Mott with Junior Alvarado in the saddle. Off since early June, speedy works, #8 NOT SO CLOSE (4-1) with veteran rider Ricardo Santana Jr. for Kentucky-based trainer Norm Casse. Any two of three for the money.
SARATOGA PICK: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 4 (2:52 p.m. ET/11:52 a.m. PT) — $100K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going six furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #1 LORD I WONDER (5-2 morning line), conditioned by his favorite trainer Al Stall Jr. Stretching out after closing Place finish in debut. Jockey Jose Ortiz takes over for brother Irad who is on bench due to suspension.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (3:26 p.m. ET/12:36 p.m. PT — $125K SUZIE O’CAIN STAKES for NY-bred 3YO fillies going 1 1/16-mile on turf
I’ll take a shot with #5 BOSSY JEANS (10-1 morning line) for hot trainer Michael Maker. Luis Saez picks up the mount from suspended rider Irad Ortiz Jr. Jeans rule.
SARATOGA PICK: $5 to Win & Place. ($10)
Race 7 (4:34 p.m. ET/1:34 p.m. PT) — $35K CLAIMING for fillies and mares 4YOs & up going six furlongs
Mr. Ed likes four: #1 AWESOME ANNMARIE & #1A MON PETIT CHOU (both 4-1 morning line); #3 FONTANAFREDDA (5-2), and #4 CONDIMENT GIRL (10-1).
SARATOGA BET: $5 Exacta box ($30) and $1 Pick 3:
Race 7: 1,3,4
Race 8: 2,4,11
Race 9: 1,2,3,8,9 ($45)
Race 8 (5:10 p.m. ET/2:10 p.m. PT) — $110K ALLOWANCE fillies and mares 3YOs & up going a mile on turf
I like #4 REVALITA (5-2 morning line) for top trainer Chad Brown, who rehires Flavien Prat to ride French import. Look for the tested gal closing down the stretch.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win and $5 Exacta box with 2&11. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $165
