Churchill Saturday Best Bets on Opening Night
COUNTDOWN TO THE DERBY: Churchill Downs opens its long-anticipated Spring Meet with a mixed bag of somewhat dull dirt and turf contests … But before attacking Saturday’s lackluster card, let’s review some results from my final day at Keeneland. On Friday, Mr. Ed posted bets totaling $158 and cashed for $237.26 for a net gain of $79.26. Saving his best for last, Mr. Ed hit Bourbon Heist with a ticket worth $136.40 in the 9th race and topped the day off by hitting the late $0.50 Pick 4 twice for an additional $100.86 (the #8 scratched in the finale, so we had the favorite twice to complete the Pick 4). Just enough for a one-way Uber to Louisville … In addition to offering his Churchill Downs selections today (see below), Mr. Ed will be contributing to VSiN’s Kentucky Derby Betting Guide that is scheduled to come out next Thursday, and then we’ll also be posting our Oaks and Derby undercard selections next Friday and Saturday.
Race 3 (6:56 p.m. ET/3:56 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed kicks off the betting on #5 Uncaptured Dream (7-2 morning line) for trainer Genaro Garcia and jockey Edgar Morales (a big upgrade). Promising son of Uncaptured, gelding is way overdue (0-for-7) in pursuit of his maiden victory. A few of his Beyer Speed Figures indicate ability to compete here. Wager: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (7:26 p.m. ET/4:26 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes #5 Nordic Light (5-2 morning line) to shine. Trained by capable owner-conditioner Juan Cano, underrated jockey Adam Beschizza rides again. It’s time for this $300,000 gelded son of Mastery to light up the tote board. Shorter trip should help. Wager: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (7:57 p.m. ET/4:57 p.m. PT)
I like a chalky trio here: #4 Mapper (3-1 morning line) for Rusty Arnold; #5 Shady Daredevil (4-1) making debut for Norm Casse; and #7 Sidekick (5-2) for dynamic duo of Luis Saez and Steve Asmussen. Let the cream of crop rise to the top. Wager: #5 Exacta Box of 4,5,7. ($30)
Race 6 (8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes $0.50 Pick 5 (cost $54)
Race 6: 1,2,9
Race 7: 2,3,5,7
Race 8: 1,3,7
Race 9: 1
Race 10: 5,8,9
Race 9 (10:11 p.m. ET/8:11 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed’s BEST BET OF THE DAY is super speedy mare #1 Frank’s Rockette (3-5 morning line). She’s merely playing catch-me-you-can in overnight stakes sprint. Prep race for major graded contests between now and Breeders’ Cup in November. Wager: $50 to Win. ($50)
TOTAL WAGERS: $145