Editor's note: last summer, Ed Sehon (aka Mr. Ed) called this column "Saratoga on (about) $100 a Day." This year, he's just doing the weekend cards (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays) but still approaching each day with around $100 in plays as if he was just trying to beat the races on a given day. Here are his plays for Sunday as we wrap up Week 6 of 8:
NOTE: On Monday, Mr. Ed heads north to his very favorite spot in racing — the backstretch at Saratoga — in an effort to rebuild his bankroll, hang out with friends and meet some winners. An aging horseplayer of more than 40 visits to the Spa, he hopes this will not be his last. If it is, he plans to make it a memorable one relaxing among the trees, drinking beer, consuming dogs with kraut — and cashing tickets. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?
Races 1-2 (1:05 p.m. ET/10:05 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes a $5 Daily Double of two well-bred, first timers #3 Hay Stack (3-1 morning line) and #5 Cookie Crumbs (6-1) with vets #2 Deep Cover (5-2) and #7 Phantom Smoke (8-5).
(cost $20)
Race 5 (3:18 p.m. ET/12:18 p.m. PT)
I like three here: #3 Devamani (5-2 morning line) for Franco-Brown duo; #5 Healing (8-1) with Rosario for Saffie Joseph Jr., and #10 Monarchs Glen (5-1), pairing Irad Ortiz Jr.
with Michael Maker. Wager: $5 Exacta Box of 3,5,10.
(cost $30)
Race 6 (3:52 p.m. ET/12:52 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed has a huge hill to climb if he’s to turn his record around. He’ll need all the help he can get to reach the summit before Labor Day. After several sharp works, #9 Peak Popularity (8-1 morning line) offers an excellent opportunity to cut his losses. Manny Franco rides for top Chad Brown barn. Wager: $20 to Win.
(cost $20)
Race Nos. 7-10 (4:26 p.m. ET/1:26 p.m. PT)
Here’s a $1 Pick 4 to help build a bankroll for Travers Week.
Race 7: 1,3,7,9
Race 8: 2
Race 9: 2,3,6,7
Race 10: 6,8,9
(cost $48)
TOTAL WAGERS: $118