Saratoga Friday recap, Best Bets on Saturday card
FRIDAY RECAP: After 41 scratches due to soaked (off turf) and sloppy track conditions, Mr. Ed’s plays were reduced from a posted $95 to a live $42 in action. However, after all 10 races were done on an upgraded-to-fast dirt surface, I was able to record a profitable day, bolstered by my PLAY OF THE DAY (Randomized in Race No. 4) … So, after two days, Mr. Ed has wagered $135 and cashed for 103.65 for a net loss of $31.35 … For the second straight day, no trainer won more than one race. Three jockeys, Kendrick Caramouche and brothers Irad and Jose Ortiz led jockeys with two wins each … Average payoff for a $2 win ticket was $10.74 — and remember, at VSiN.com, cashin’ tickets is what it’s all about!
SATURDAY AT THE SPA: I’ll go for two consecutive winning sessions. If you’re looking for non-stop racing action, with Mr. Ed’s selections on all 11 races (see picks below), you’ve come to the right place. To play them all, you’ll need a $148 bankroll … The card features three stakes: the Diana (Race No. 4), the Kelso (Race No. 9) and the Sanford (Race No. 10). First post is 1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT
Races Nos. 1-2 (1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed kicks day off with chalky $10 Daily Double of #1 PIRATE (4-5 morning line) for Irad Ortiz Jr.-Todd Pletcher combo in Race No.1 and #2 SUGAR GRAY LEONARD (9-5) for Luis Saez-Dick Dutrow team in Race No. 2. ($10)
Race No. 3 (2:16 p.m. ET/11:16 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes a trio in maiden turf test. #1 ISOLA (9-2 morning line) with Jose Ortiz, #2 KING’S SECRET (15-1) with Tyler Gaffalione and #5 VANISHED (3-1) with Luis Saez. Wager: $3 Exacta box 1,2,5. ($18)
Races Nos. 4-6 (2:46 p.m. ET/11:46 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed plays a $2 Pick 3
Race 4: 2
Race 5: 2,4,5,8
Race 6: 2,3,8,9,10 ($40)
Race 7 (4:26 p.m. ET/1:26 p.m. PT)
Time for another Pick 3: I’ll go with #1 PLAYLIST (2-1 morning line) for super turf trainer Wesley Ward, #3 BOWL OF CHERRIES (6-1) for David Jacobson and #4 BREEZE EASY (9-5) for Christophe Clement. Wager: $5 Exacta box of 1,3,4 ($30)
Race No. 8 (5:02 p.m. ET/2:02 p.m. PT)
CAUTION: This is strictly a rider play for Mr. Ed. The more I see of smiling Katie Davis, the more I know she’s headed for bigger and better days at the races. Trainer Danny Gargan gives Katie a leg up again on #5 BON ADIEU (10-1 morning line). Look for filly and Katie to outrun odds. Wager: $5 Win, Place and Show. ($15)
Race No. 9 (5:45 p.m. ET/2:45 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed’s LIVE LONGSHOT OF THE DAY is #7 ANACONDA (6-1 morning line). Young Joe Sharp (who had a winner Friday) retains Tyler Gaffalione to ride sharp son of Pioneerof the Nile. All this tough-luck guy needs to score is getting to the wire a whisker faster. Mr. Ed likes his chances here. Wager: $5 Win and Place, and $5 Daily Double with 9 in next race. ($15 total)
Races Nos. 10-11 (6:19 p.m. ET/3:19 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed’s PLAY OF THE DAY is $5 Daily Doubles of #9 GOLD SWEEP (3-5 morning line) with #2 BEER RUN (2-1), #4 FLAT TOP BOX (9-2) and #12 BAIE LOUNGUE (5-1) in Race No. 11. ($15)
TOTAL WAGERS: $143