Tampa Bay Downs Picks for Saturday, November 22:
HORSING AROUND: Mr. Ed returns to Tampa Bay Downs, the scene of his horseplaying heist on Wednesday, where he treated VSiN followers and himself to winners of a Daily Double, a Pick 3, an Exacta Box and a pair of stand-alone scores. The results may have been chalky, but they sure as Hell gave Mr. Ed’s handicapping ego a big boost. When all was said and run, a pair of regular riders, Jose Ferrer and Samuel Marin, each had a pair of winners, while no trainer had more than a single victory. At the windows, a $2 Win ticket paid $10.53. Looking ahead at today’s nine-race program, Mr. Ed found several money-making opportunities. Under sunny skies with a high in the low-80s, Race 1 goes to post at 12:33 p.m. ET/9:33 a.m. PT. Here are Mr. Ed’s top picks.
Mr. Ed’s Selections for Tampa Bay Downs for Saturday, 11/22
Race 1 (12:33 p.m. ET/9:33 a.m. PT) — $19K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3 YOs & Up going six furlongs
Mr. Ed likes a pair to kick off a DD: #3 NAUGHTY FAVORS (7-2 morning line), on the class drop for trainer Jose Vargas and top rider Samuel Marin, plus #5 TIMELY REWARD (5-2) with young Cipriano Gil in the saddle for trainer Michael Simone.
TAMPA BAY DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 3,5/1,8. ($20)
Race 2 (1:04 p.m. ET/10:04 a.m. PT) — $23.5K MAIDEN CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed plans to successfully complete the DD with either #1 TOP POCKET PICK (2-1 morning line) for trainer James Tsirigotis with rider Samuel Marin, or #8 DAME GINA MARIE (5-2) for savvy trainer Kathleen O’Connell, and Jose Ferrer riding.
Race 3 (1:34 p.m. ET/10:34 a.m. ET) — $22.5K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed picks three for the money: #4 SOUND IT OUT (4-1 morning line) with Israel Rodriguez riding for trainer Michael Yates; #7 MONEY MAGNETTES (5-2) for the team of Terry Pompay and Samuel Marin, and #9 BLOODY COLORS WAVE (2-1) for trainer Ron Potts and jockey Pablo Morales. Looks like a lock.
TAMPA BAY DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 4,7,9. ($30)
Race 4 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $19K CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
If you are looking for a longshot, I got the horse right here: #9 PAXTON (15-1 morning line) for the new team of trainer Rory Miller with Pablo Morales in the irons. Gelding, with a lone win over the track, drops in class, gets a new rider, and adds blinkers. The changes will do him good.
TAMPA BAY DOWNS SELECTION: $5 to Win, Place & Show. ($15)
Race 5 (2:34 p.m. ET/11:34 a.m. PT) — $55K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares 3YOs & Up going 1 1/16-mile on the turf
I’m betting on three: #1 CURLAINE (5-2 morning line) for NY-based trainer Miguel Clement, who hires top rider Samuel Marin; #4 NOTABLE EXCHANGE (9-2) for sharp conditioner Mike Dini and rider Sonny Leon, and #6 WRIGLEYVILLE (9-5) for the team of Tom Proctor and Chris Landeros. Pick is a home run.
TAMPA BAY DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Trifecta Box. ($30)
Race 6 (3:04 p.m. ET/12:04 p.m. PT) — $19K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #5 VESPER CHICKS (3-1 morning line) for sharp horsewoman Kathleen O’Connell, who switches riders to Antonio Gallarado. On break since June, the gal is ready to return on top.
TAMPA BAY DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Races 7-10 (3:34 p.m. ET/12:34 p.m. PT) — $1 PICK 3
R7: 5,9,10
R8: 5,6,7,9,10
R9: 1,7,9 ($45)
TOTAL WAGERS: $160
NFL PICK
Kansas City Chiefs -3.5
(6-4 against the spread)
BLACK FRIDAY AT CHURCHILL DOWNS: An excellent Thanksgiving weekend card, featuring the G1 $600K CLARK HANDICAP for older horses, offers horseplayers an excellent excuse to head to the track or OTB rather than the mall. Mr. Ed plans to be here with his exclusive VSiN selections.
