Keeneland Best Bets for Saturday
KEEN SEEN: No one dislikes being blanked (-$88) more than Mr. Ed. He went with the chalk on Friday’s card at Keeneland — and died in a pile of white powder.
However, the day was far from a total bust as his long-time horseplaying friend and uberhandicapper NC Tony entered the track’s betting challenge ($400 fee) and ran away with the top-heavy prize. For his efforts he got to keep his $3,700 voucher (built from a $250 bankroll), $4,000 in prize moola, and free entries in the prestigious National Horseplayers Championship (worth $10,000) and the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (at least another $10K).
And, as for Coach Mr. Ed, he got all he could eat and drink at Jeff Ruby’s. I did both in excess.
Also, during the day, I had the pleasure of visiting with several celebrity handicappers, including Matt Bernier & Simon Bray (both TV), the ubiquitous Peter Fornatale — and hot jock Flavien Prat in the valet line. All were in Lexington in anticipation of host Jim Goodman’s BIG $3,000 buy-in handicapping challenge today. I’ll gladly watch as NC Tony plays.
Now, it’s on to Mr. Ed’s Saturday picks on (about) $200 a day at Keeneland.
Race No. 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes #3 James Aloysius (4-1 morning line). No jockey currently is riding better than Luis Saez. And when he repeats off a winning effort for sharp Danny Gargan barn, join me on going directly to GO and cashing your winning ticket. Stretch out will pay off in lane. Wager: $10 Win. ($10)
Race No. 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT)
I’ll bet on #6 C’mon Man (3-1 morning line) to cross the finish line first in this mid-level claiming sprint. Sneaky trainer Jon Wong got bomb home Friday. Second-best bro rider Jose Ortiz picks up mount. Fast work indicates gelding is ready to pop. C’mon Man worth a $10 Win wager. ($10)
Race No. 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed’s BEST BET OF THE DAY is #4 Emperor’s Appeal (9-2 morning line). Dude moves up, goes longer, repeats on grass and picks up services of ambitious young rider Adam Beschizza. Friends of owners spreading win word all week. Another improved effort gets guy home on top for Lynch barn. Wager: $20 to Win and Place. ($40)
Race No. 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes these three: #1 Barber Road (5-2 morning line) with excellent young upstate NY rider Rudy Gutierrez; #2 Graphic Detail (4-1) and 8 Master Game (7-2) with Saez in saddle as gelding broke maiden here last Fall. Wager: Box 1,2,8 in $5 Exactas. ($30)
Races Nos. 8-11 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes the following $.50 Pick 4 (cost $64)
Race 8: 3,5,10,11
Race 9: 3,5,6,8
Race 10: 2,5
Race 11: 2,3,9,12
Races Nos. 9-10 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed’s $5 DAILY DOUBLE of the DAY:
Race 9: 3,6
Race 10: 2,5 ($20)
TOTAL DAY 4 WAGERS: $174
3-DAY TOTALS
WAGERED: $308
CASHED: $100.64
NET BANKROLL: - $207.36