Editor's note: last summer, Ed Sehon (aka Mr. Ed) called this column "Saratoga on (about) $100 a Day," but sometimes had trouble finding plays on the mid-week cards, which put a drain on the bankroll. So, for this summer's meet at the Spa, Mr. Ed is saving his bankroll for the higher-quality cards (and horses) on the weekend and is posting his plays for VSiN.com/horses readers on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the meet. After passing on Thursday's opening day, Mr. Ed started his meet strong with the $2 early double on Races 1-2 on Friday; it cost $8 and paid $35.20. After losing an Exacta box for $12 in Race 3, Mr. Ed scored with his Best Bet of the day in Race 4 on Just Like This, which paid $6.80 to Win and $4.70 to Place ($5 Win and Place bankroll bets returned $28.75). Mr. Ed lost his $24 play in the Late Pick 4 (he hit 3-of-4), but came out ahead $9.95 on the day. Here are his plays for Saturday:
Races 1-2 (1:05 p.m. ET/10:05 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes this $4 early Daily Double
Race 1: 1,4
Race 2: 1,4
(cost $16)
Races 2-5 (1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes this $1 Early Pick 4
Race 2: 1,4
Race 3: 4
Race 4: 2,4,8
Race 5: 3,5,7,9
(cost $24)
Race 3 (2:15 p.m. ET/11:15 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes #4 Robyn and Eli (5-2 morning line)
BEST BET: After three consecutive close place finishes vs. deep N.Y.-bred fields, Chad Brown adds Lasix, keeps Manny Franco in irons and stretches back out to route. Turfer sure knows how to close. Today he graduates at head of class. Wager $10 to Win.
(cost $10)
Race 7 (4:29 p.m. ET/1:29 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes #5 Reinvestment Risk (3-5 morning line)
CHALK OF THE PLAY: With $410K in bank, this guy has been butting heads with several top sprinters, including classy Jackie’s Warrior. He’s not here today. Chad Brown-Irad Ortiz Jr. speedball earns my interest. Wager: $25 to Win.
(cost $25)
Race 9 (5:39 p.m. ET/2:39 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes #10 Daunt (10-1 morning line)
BOMBS AWAY: Don’t underestimate improving 3-year-old adding blinkers and Lasix. Trainer Bobby Ribaudo has the habit of lighting up tote board at Spa. Dropping from impressive effort in Grade 2 Pennine Ridge, he’s ready to win skeptics over.Tyler McCarthy retains mount. Wager: $5 to Win, Place and Show.
(cost $15)
FRIDAY'S WAGERS: $54
FRIDAY'S CASHED TICKETS: $63.95
NET PROFIT: $9.95
SATURDAY'S WAGERS: $90