Mr. Ed's Best Bets, Saturday, September 30
MR. ED PIVOTS: After a somewhat successful (four cashed tickets) wagering excursion to PARX and Churchill Downs last week, Mr. Ed planned on returning to the more familiar, friendlier confines of BAQ (Belmont at Aqueduct) for this week’s action — until Mother Nature rained on his parade of stakes picks by canceling Saturday’s program. So, I’ve decided to fall back to Churchill where I’ve identified several wagering risks worth taking. Read ‘em and reap.
MR. ED’S SATURDAY CHURCHILL SELECTIONS
Race 2 (1:17 p.m. ET/10:17 a.m.PT)
I like #2 PILLBOX (2-1 morning line) based on several favorable factors: Solid connections; turn back from route to sprint; change of surface, and an excellent series of works. If she breaks, she may never look back. Wager: $10 to Win and $5 Exacta boxes of 2,3,5. ($40)
Race 3 (1:47 p.m. ET/10:47 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed bets #4 TRES SOLES (6-1 morning line) can return to the dirt, step up in class and score a second victory at Churchill. Joe Sharp trains the expensive son of Triple Crown winner Justify. Meet leading rider Tyler Gaffalione adds to the appeal. Wager: $10 Win and Place. ($20)
Race 6 (3:21 p.m. ET/12:21 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes #3 FIGHTERTOWN (3-1 morning line). Making his second start for owner Maggi Moss and trainer Tom Amoss, the gelding has been working like a fireball as he seeks to repeat off maiden victory. Gilligan retains the mount. Wager: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 8 (4:25 p.m. ET/1:25 p.m. PT) — Jefferson Cup
I’m betting on #7 MORE THAN LOOKS (5-2 morning line). Trainer Cherie DeVaux has the three-year-old primed for return following a short break after finishing third in G2 HOF Stakes at Saratoga. She brings Christian Torres back to ride in the turf mile. Looks like a winner. $20 Win. ($20)
Race 9 (4:58 p.m. ET/1:58 p.m. PT). — G3 Ack Ack
It’s hard not to like #5 ZOZOS (6-5 morning line). Top trainer Brad Cox turns accomplished son of Munnings back to mile following fade in Monmouth stakes in August. Florent Geroux retains the mount. May never be headed. Wager: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 10 (5:29 p.m. ET/2:29 p.m. PT) — G2 Lukas Classic
Mr. Ed likes #9 AMERICANREVOLUTION (5-2 morning line). Due to revisit Winner’s Circle following several solid efforts. I look for him to regain Cigar Mile form as he stretches out to 1 1/8th mile. Pletcher trains, Gaffalione to ride. Wager: $10 to Win. ($10)
TOTAL CHURCHILL WAGERS: $120
MR. ED’s SUNDAY BONUS PICK (weather permitting)
BAQ Race 7 (3:11 p.m. ET/12:11 p.m. PT) — G2 Woodward Stakes
Mr. Ed likes #2 LAW PROFESSOR (12-1 morning line). While handicapping this card, I received a call from a college roommate with whom I had not spoken in decades. He’s one of the nation’s preeminent defense attorneys. Fortunately, I haven’t needed his services! After catching up on friends and family, he informed me that he had also been teaching at our alma mater’s law school for 50 years! How could I not put my money across the board on a law professor? I rest my case. Wager: $10 to Win, Place and Show. ($30)
COUNTDOWN TO THE BREEDERS’ CUP: Four weeks and six days until Friday and Saturday, November 3 and 4 at Santa Anita.
WHAT WILL MR. ED (1-1) DO ON SUNDAY?
Bet the Chiefs (-9.5) to shoot down the Jets
WHAT TRACK WILL MR. ED BE COVERING NEXT SATURDAY?
Lord willing and the crick don’t rise, Keeneland.