Friday Best Bets on Black-Eyed Susan card at Pimlico
(Editor's Note: This column has been updated with a new Black-Eyed Susan/Preakness Double play after it was announced early Friday that #8 First Mission is going to be scratched in Saturday's Preakness)
Races Nos. 1-2 (11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. PT)
It’s Black-Eyed Day at historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Let’s begin to build our bankroll for the 14-race card with a few $2 Daily Doubles. Mr. Ed likes:
Race 1: 1,13
Race 2: 1,3,4,7
($16)
Race No. 5 (1:33 p.m. ET/10:33 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes #5 Above the Limit (3-1 morning line). Speedy, well-traveled mare returned from winter break with a driving score in Laurel turf sprint for Maryland-based trainer Cathay Lynch. Axel Concepcion, who guided her to victory that day, returns to ride. No reason she can’t repeat. The sky’s the limit! Wager $10 to Win. ($10)
Races Nos. 6-9 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes a $.50 Pick 4 (cost $60)
Race 6: 1,7
Race 7: 1,4,5,7,8,12
Race 8: 1,2,6
Race 9: 2,4,8,9
Race No. 9 (3:36 p.m. ET/12:36 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes #9 Her World (9-2 morning line). Irish-bred daughter of Caravaggio enters The Very One Stakes on top of her game, following back-to-back sprint scores. No trainer is better than Wesley Ward at spotting his stock for maximum return. Versatile Irad Ortiz Jr. returns to ride. Wager $10 to Win and box in $2 Exactas with 2,4,8. ($22)
Race No. 13 (5:44 p.m. ET/2:44 p.m. PT)
I like #3 Hoosier Philly (10-1 morning line) in the Grade 2, $300,000 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes. Last winter popular, high-profile conditioner Tom Amoss boasted daughter of Into Mischief is one of the fastest horses he’s ever trained. After beginning her career with three easy juvenile victories, she digressed with two dull sophomore efforts. Following seven weeks away, she’s returned with a pair of sizzling works at Churchill Downs. Tom’s no fool. Mr. Ed will give Amoss, and his fast filly, another chance. Wager: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race No. 13 Friday/Race No. 13 Saturday — Black-Eyed Susan/Preakness Double
Black-Eyed Susan: 3,4,9
Preakness: 1,3,5
(update with scratch of #8 First Mission)
Wager: $5 Doubles ($45)
TOTAL WAGERS: $173