Keeneland Friday Best Bets
THE KEEN SCENE: It’s great to be back in the bluegrass. After a 400-mile trek across slices of North Carolina, Tennessee and half of Kentucky in my trusty RAV-4, Mr. Ed returned to Keeneland yesterday around noon.
Nothing much has changed since last here for the Breeders’ Cup in November. The tracks are immaculate, racing first-class, bourbon tasty — and Mr. Ed continues to leak (about) a C-note a day … While today’s nine-race card is loaded with competitive contests, I had trouble zeroing in on Win picks and even identifying a Pick 4 worth playing. So, below is a mix of somewhat unusual selections … And, be sure to return to VSiN.com/horse-racing/ on Saturday for more racing action, featuring Team Tuley’s Thoroughbred Takes in addition to my breakdown of the Keeneland card.
Races Nos. 1-2 (1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT)
I like the following $5 Daily Double
Race 1: 3,5
Race 2: 2,8 (cost $20)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes #8 Knockyoursocksoff (4-1 morning line) to knock his socks off in the lane with a fast-closing score. Trainer Chris Block recruits old Keeneland pro Florent Geroux to get the job done as filly returns to the turf in this 1 1/8th-mile pricey allowance test. Bet $10 on her to Win and box top and bottom in $3 Exactas with #1 Mrs. Astor (6-1), #6 Wonderful Lady (5-1) and #13 Allamericanbeauty (4-1). ($28)
Race No. 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes #2 Travel Column (3-1 morning line). Super-fast mare returns and drops off pair of fair Graded stakes efforts in New York last year. Nation’s top rider Irad Ortiz Jr. accepts mount for sneaky-good trainer Paulo Lobo. Turn-back to sprint fits running style. Wager: $10 to Win and bet $10 Daily Double with #7 Modern Games (3-5) in next race. ($20)
Race No. 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed’s BEST BET OF THE DAY is #7 Modern Times (3-5 morning line) in Grade 1, $600,000 Maker’s Mark Mile. Many race fans believe he’s the best horse in racing. Winner of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile, he’s banked more than $3 million beating all comers in Great Britain, Canada and the U.S. William Buick crosses pond to ride for Charles Appleby barn. I’ll be the chalk. Wager: $20 to Win ($20).
TOTAL DAY 3 WAGERS: $88
2-DAY TOTALS
WAGERS: $220
CASHED: $100.64
NET BANKROLL: -$119.36