Keeneland Friday Best Bets
NONE DARE CALL IT GAMBLING: It’s tough picking winners. According to the Wall Street Journal, only 27 of 1,257 stock-fund managers showed gains over the past 12 months. I feel the pain in the horse racing market … Following a disappointing first four betting days of meet, Mr. Ed enjoyed some Buffalo Trace, Kentucky burgoo and oh-so-sweet bread pudding before jumping back into Friday’s deep end of the card. The late Pick 4 (Races 7-10), anchored by Battle of Normandy, offers an excellent opportunity to offset a chunk of earlier losses … Highlighting Friday’s 10-race betting card is a Pick 6 (Races 5-10) carryover of $859,585 … Stick with us, folks. As sure as every dog will have his day, so will Mr. Ed.
Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT)
I like #10 Patrolman (3-1 morning line). Top conditioner Brad Cox takes over training underachieving 4-year-old son of successful sire Empire Maker for always busy owners Gary and Mary West. Colt ready to fire at first asking vs. $50,000 claimers. Bet $10 to Win and $5 Daily Double 10 and 3. Total wagers: $15.
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed can’t resist picking #3 Royal Take Charge (2-1 morning line), undefeated filly from favorite Al Stall Jr. barn. With a score at Churchill and one at Fair Grounds, versatile gal kicks off Spring campaign with front-running victory. Brian Hernandez retains ride. Welcome back to the winner’s circle. Wager $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes trio featuring top riders: #4 Gregory’s Pride (9-2 morning line) with hustling Flavien Prat, #5 True Jedi (8-1) with top jock Irad Ortiz Jr. and #7 High Front (3-1) with hot Luis Saez. Wager: $3 Exacta Box of 4,5,7. ($18)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT)
Here’s a $3 Exacta Box of top-tier trainers worth backing: #1 Morning Cup (2-1 morning line) for Al Stall Jr., #2 Schmoozin (7-2) for Neil Pessinan and #4 Appeal Denied (5-2) for Greg Foley. ($18)
Races 7-10 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes a $.50 Pick 4 (cost $48)
Race 7: 1,2,5,6,8,9
Race 8: 1,2,3,5
Race 9: 1,2,4,7
Race 10: 5
Race 10 (5:48 p.m. ET/2:48 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed’s BEST BET OF DAY: #5 Battle of Normandy (2-1 morning line). Highly touted sophomore turf specialist returns to grass after brief freshening. Nation’s top rider Irad Ortiz Jr. picks up mount for McGaughey barn. Steady string of works indicate he’s ready for stretch-out to 1 1/8 miles. Classy colt wins battle. Wager: $20 to Win. ($20)
TOTAL DAY 5 WAGERS: $129
4-DAY TOTALS
WAGERED: $482.00
CASHED: $182.32
NET BANKROLL: -$-299.68