Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Picks:
TRACKING MR. ED: Today marks the midway point of the 40-day Saratoga season. While Mr. Ed has had his ups and downs with his Saratoga picks, he’s still standing and more determined than ever to share winning wagers with his VSiN friends and followers. What lessons have we learned during the last 19 racing days? In the immortal words of Yogi Berra, “You can observe a lot by just watching.”
For instance, perennial top jock Irad Ortiz Jr. may have met his match with the emergence of French import Flavien Prat. Saffie Joseph Jr.’s barn, while late on the Spa scene, is loaded with talent. Don’t discount any horse being ridden by HOFer Johnny Velazquez, ditto Frankie Dettori.
Count on rain to fall, disrupting turf racing on at least a dozen more days. With a $2 Win ticket returning less than an average $12, attests to the handicapping acumen of those wagering on Saratoga races. And, in conclusion, continue following Mr. Ed’s selections. Or, in the words of his favorite NFL coach and analyst John Madden, “Never mind the horse is blind, just load the wagon.” Mr. Ed’s best is yet to come!
SPA UPS & DOWNS: Leading the deep jockey colony is Irad Ortiz Jr. (26 Wins), followed by Flavien Prat (24); Tyler Gaffalione (16); Dylan Davis (15), and Manny Franco (15). Jose Ortiz, the one-time leader, is somewhat disappointing, trailing his brother by 13 trips to the Winner’s Circle. Improvement expected. As for trainers, Chad Brown’s barn is on top again with 19 wins, followed by Todd Pletcher and Michael Maker, each with 12; Bill Mott with 10, and a somewhat disappointing Linda Rice with only 9. Tidbits: Conditioner Saffie Joseph Jr. has six wins from only 18 entries. Flavien Prat has won 8 stakes races.
TODAY AT THE SPA: If last Saturday’s card, with five scheduled stakes (two of which were postponed until this Saturday), was the strongest racing program thus far, then today’s card qualifies as the weakest. The lone stakes is Race 8, the $125K Johnstone Mile Handicap for NY-bred fillies and mares. Post time for today’s 9-race program is 1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections:
Mr. Ed’s Best Bets at Saratoga for Wednesday, August 7
Race 3 (2:18 p.m. ET/11:18 a.m. PT) — $70K STARTER ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & up going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed Likes #2 MASTER OF ARMS (9-2 morning line) comes to the Spa via Churchill Downs for trainer John Ortiz, where he was a steady stalking sprinter. He stretches out to 7 furlongs today with regular rider Ricardo Santana Jr. aboard. Looking for a masterful trip.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (3:26 p.m. ET/12:26 p.m. PT) — $$120 ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YO fillies and mares going a mile
Mr. Ed likes #6 SPEEDY TRAVELER (6-1 morning line) for sneaky-good trainer Phil Bauer, who knows how to win with limited stock. Speedball stretches out to a mile after winning three of four sprinting under young jockey Jaime Torres. Road to victory.
SARATOGA PICK: $5 to Win & Place. ($10)
Race 6 (4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 4YOs & up going 5 ½-furlongs on turf
I like #8 GRAMMY GIRL (4-1 morning line) for conditioner Horacio De Paz, ridden by NY-circuit leading jockey Manny Franco. Daughter of Mastery stretches back out to a mile after dull effort sprinting at BAQ.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 7 (4:34 p.m. ET/1:34 p.m. PT) — $45K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs.
I like a three for the money: #7 AARAJ (9-2 morning line) for Dick Dutrow and Jose Gomez; # 8 UNCLECHARLIESGIFT (8-1) for legendary trainer Nick Zito and sharp Tyler Gaffalione, and #11 NEUSCHWANSTEIN (3-1) for Keri Brion and Irad Ortiz.
SARATOGA PICK: $5 Exacta box. ($30)
Races 7-9 (4:34 p.m. ET/1:34 p.m. PT)
R7: 7,8,11
R8: 2,3,6
R9: 1,6
SARATOGA PICK: $2 Pick 3. ($18)
Race 8 (5:10 p.m. ET/2:10 p.m. PT) — $125K JOHNSTONE MILE HANDICAP for fillies and mares, 3YO & up.
I like #6 CUPID’S HEART (9-5 morning line) for veteran NY circuit trainer Bruce Levine and ridden by HOFer Javier Castellano. Super-consistent sprinter stretches out to a mile in search of first stakes victory. Love this filly.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win & $5 Exacta boxes with 2,3. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $108
