Mr. Ed's Best Bets, Saturday, October 14
DAY-NIGHT BOURBON DOUBLEHEADER: Following a full day of thoroughbred racing and imbibing at Keeneland, thousands of University of Kentucky fans will flock to Kroger Field to see the football game between UK and Missouri. The forecast calls for cloudy skies, heavy traffic, and a high of 65 degrees. UK is a 2.5-point favorite. Per capita bourbon consumption: Over/Under 10 oz. Mr. Ed picks the Wildcats to beat the Tigers — and the Over.
YESTERDAY’S SNOOZE: When all was said and done, Mr. Ed survived the dreaded Friday the 13th. After scratches and changes, he wagered $93. Cashing a $10 Place ticket ($23.80) in the fifth race and a $10 Win&Place ticket ($63.00) in the ninth, he ended the day with a net loss of $6.20. Today’s races are full of promise, and I feel a profitable outing is in the cards.
TRACK STATS: Jockeys Tyler Gaffalione and Luis Saez are tied for the lead with seven wins apiece, followed by Johnny Velasquez and Flavien Prat with five each. Todd Pletcher tops the trainer standings with five wins, followed by several others with three. Rider to watch: Prat. Trainer: Brendan Walsh.
TODAY AT KEENELAND: A challenging 10-race card, featuring the G1 QE II Challenge Cup (Race 9, see below), three competitive maiden contests, and several allowance/claimers await handicappers. First post is at 1:00 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT). Here are my selections:
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. Pt)
Mr. Ed likes #7 EDIFIED (9-2 morning line). The pricey son of Tapit draws the outer-most post for winningest trainer Steve Asmussen as he stretches the colt out to 1 1/16th-mile. Top jock Joel Rosario returns after injury. Stakes-tested. Wager: $10 to Win and Place. ($20)
Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 p.m. PT)
#8 IT TAKES HEART (5-2 morning line) to repeat the Spa sprint easy win for new high-percentage trainer Robert Falcone. Luis Saez will ride again. Should handle the class hike after a steady work pattern. You gotta have heart! Wager $10 to Win and Place. ($20)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes three: #2 CATMINT (5-2 morning line) for Cox-Geroux; #3 ZIPADOO (9-2) for Motion-Prat, and #9 HECKLED (3-1) for Stidham-Rosario. Wager: $5 Exacta box. ($30)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT)
My pick is #2 DORNOCH (7-2 morning line) for sharp, veteran trainer Danny Gargan. The pricey ($325K) son of Good Magic chases his maiden score following Places at Saratoga and Monmouth. Capable of stretching out under new rider Luis Saez. Knock, knock! Wager: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes trio: #2 PUMPKIN SCONE (9-2 morning line) for Cox-Corrales; #9 ZEITLOS (5-1) for Asmussen-C. Torres, and #10 ACCEDE (7-2) for C. Brown-I. Ortiz. Bet: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Races 9-10 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed’s DOUBLE OF THE DAY is #2 ELUSIVE PRINCESS (3-1 morning line) and #4 MAWJ (2-1) in the $600K G1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup with #1 FIRST MISSION (1-1) and #7 COOKE CREEK (8-1). Wager: $5. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $150
BREEDERS’ CUP NEWS & CLASSIC POLL: Steve Asmussen’s highly regarded 2021 champion two-year-old filly Echo Zulu sustained a sesamoid injury in a workout Friday morning. She is scheduled to undergo surgery today, the HOF trainer told the Daily Racing Form.
According to an unscientific poll of undistinguished writers (did NOT include Mr. Ed), handicappers, trainers, owners, etc., here is a ranking of the Top 10 presumed entrants for the Saturday, November 4 race, (including first-place votes): 1. Arcangelo (23); 2. Geaux Rocket Ride (1); 3. Arabian Knight (4); 4. White Abarrio (3); 5. Zandon (0); 6. Bright Future (0); 7. Ushba Tesoro (2); 8. Proxy (0); 9. Saudi Crown (2), and (10) Forte.
WHAT WILL MR. ED (2-2)* DO ON SUNDAY?
Bet Detroit (-2.5) to cover vs. Tampa Bay
*against spread