Saratoga Best Bets, news and notes
WHITNEY WEEKEND: Saratoga racing fans will be treated to a menu full of juicy stakes over the next two days, beginning Friday with the Saratoga Oaks (Race 7) and the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame (Race 8). The tasty feast resumes Saturday with five more, highlighted by the $1 million G1 Whitney at 1 1/8 miles, featuring six of the nation's most accomplished older horses, including 1-2 favorite Cody's Wish.
TRACKING MR. ED: After seven days of posted plays, he has yet to produce desired results. Mr. Ed has wagered $793.00 and cashed for $366.85, resulting in a net loss of $426.15. Going forward, I'm confident there are profitable days ahead. Here are my selections for today.
Race No. 4 (2:52 p.m. ET/11:52 a.m. PT)
I like #5 JESSICA'S RIDE (6-1 morning line) as trainer Mark Hennig moves the sophomore coed to turf and rehires talented young rider Katie Davis to break the NY gal's maiden. A big class drop is the key to a winning effort. Wager: $5 to win and Place and $4 Daily Double with 7 in the next race. ($14)
Race No. 5 (3:26 p.m. ET/12:26 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes speedy #7 PATIENT CAPITAL (9-5 morning line) to go from gate to wire for conditioner Michael Maker. Rejuvenated HOF rider Javier Castellano climbs aboard in a seven-furlong dirt sprint. I've been waiting for this money maker to visit the Winner's Circle. Wager: $5 Win and Place. ($10)
Race No. 7 (4:34 p.m. ET/1:34 p.m. PT)
I like a trio here: #4 XIGERA (6-1 morning line) for Phillip Bauer's barn; #7 PAPILIO (5-1) for Mark Casse, and #9 SELENAIA (4-1) for the Jonathan Thomas stable. Wager: $3 Exacta boxes. ($18)
Races Nos. 9-11 (5:44 p.m. ET/2:44 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes a $1 Pick 3
Race 9: 3, 5, 7
Race 10: 1, 4, 6
Race 11: 6, 9, 10 (cost $27)
Race No. 11 (6:52 p.m. ET/3:52 p.m. PT)
BEST BET OF DAY: #9 UNLEASH THE POWER (3-1 morning line). Veteran trainer Al Stall Jr. stretches out the four-year-old gelding in a starter allowance at 1 3/8 miles. Top rider Joel Rosario retains the mount in an effort to chalk up a victory after three consecutive, sharp in-the-money finishes. Wager: $10 to Win and box him in $2 Exactas with 9, 10. ($18)
TOTAL WAGERS $87