Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Picks:
Mr. Ed’s Best Bets at Saratoga for Wednesday, August 21
TRAVERS WEEK AT SARATOGA: It’s that time of year when all amateur horseplayers and avid handicappers alike renew or begin their loving relationship with Saratoga Race Course a few miles north of Albany, N.Y. Between today and Sunday, racegoers will be treated to 14, count ‘em 14, first-class stakes highlighted by Saturday’s $1.25 million G1 Travers for 3YOs going 1 ¼ mile. What makes this year’s “mid-summer derby” so special is the anticipated presence of the nation’s fastest filly, Thorpedo Anna. Seven of her male counterparts are scheduled to join her in the starting gate at 6:10 p.m. ET/3:10 p.m. PT. As the week unfolds, Mr. Ed will take a close look at all the stakes and offer his wagering strategy. Let’s look at Wednesday’s Saratoga picks.
TOP JOCKEYS & TRAINERS: Through 29 of 40 racing days at the Spa, the jockey and trainer leaderboards look like this: Perennial front-runner Irad Ortiz Jr. tops all riders with 36 wins, followed by Tyler Gaffalione (31), Flavien Prat (30), Dylan Davis (30) and Manny Franco (19). As for trainers, the deep Chad Brown outfit leads conditioners with 24 wins, followed by Michael Maker (18), Todd Pletcher (15), Bill Mott (13) and Linda Rice (13).
Mr. Ed’s Best Bets at Saratoga Mr. Ed for Wednesday, August 21
Race 1 (1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT) — $100K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs & up going 1 ⅜-mile on the turf
Mr. Ed likes an ice-cold Daily Double of #4 PROTECTIVE (8-5 morning line), ridden by better-than-ever local jockey Dylan Davis, trained by HOFer Todd Pletcher.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 Daily Double of 4-9. ($10)
Race 2 (1:44 p.m. ET/10:44 a.m. PT) — $90K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YO NY-breds going six furlongs
To complete the Daily Double, I like #9 SACROSANCT (7-2 morning line) from the Brad Cox barn, ridden by local favorite Manny Franco.
Race 3 (2:18 p.m. ET/11:18 a.m. PT) $135K JOHN’S CALL STAKES for 4YOs & up going 1 ⅝-mile
The John’s Call Stakes on the turf is the highlight of the 9-race card. I think it’s as easy as #1 SIX MINUS (3-1 morning line), #2 ANDTHEWINNERIS (3-1) and #3 FOREIGN RELATIONS (5-2). If the race is taken OFF the turf due to inclement weather, I’ll take the 7,8,9.
SARATOGA PICK: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 4 (2:52 p.m. ET/11:52 a.m. PT) — $35K CLAIMING for 4YOs & up going 1 ⅛-mile
Mr. Ed likes three: #5 ACCIDENTAL HERO (8-5 morning line) for sharp trainer Michael Maker; #7 ROMAN EMPIRE (10-1) for PARX-based trainer Juan Carlos Guerrero, #8 DADDY KNOWS (12-1) for low-key trainer Dominick Schettino.
SARATOGA PICK: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 7 (4:34 p.m. ET/1:34 p.m. PT) — $80K CLAIMING for 4YOs & up going 1 ⅛-mile
Winner of nearly $500K, #2 RUNNIN’ RAY (7-2 morning line) is Mr. Ed’s choice. Trained by Joe Sharp, the 8YO gelding ships up from Kentucky, drops in for a tag, and stretches out while returning to dirt. Tyler Gaffalione picks up the mount. Say hey, Ray!
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 8 (5:10 p.m. ET/2:10 p.m. PT) — $95K for NY-bred 3YOs & up going 5 ½ furlongs on the turf
Mr. Ed’s betting #9 BIG PRANKSTER (7-2 morning line) as he moves back to the turf and shortens up for Christophe Clement’s barn. Joel Rosario stays aboard. Improving 3YO.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $110
Thursday Stakes of the Day
G2 $300K BALLSTON SPA
Race 2 (1:44 p.m. ET/10:44 a.m. PT)
For fillies & mares, 4YO & upgoing 1 ⅛-mile
