Editor's note: last summer, Ed Sehon (aka Mr. Ed) called this column "Saratoga on (about) $100 a Day." This year, he's been 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 (note: Mr. Ed will also have a special Labor Day column on Monday to close out the meet):
Races 1-2 (12:35 p.m. ET/9:35 a.m. PT)
SPECIAL $5 DAILY DOUBLE
Race 1: 2,11
Race 2: 3,6
(cost $20)
Race 4 (2:16 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT)
I like #8 Jade’s Dream (8-1 morning line). Veteran NY circuit trainer Carlos Martin turns to sharp apprentice rider Jose Gomez in effort to get gelding home. Loss of blinkers, shorter distance and return to turf puts guy in Winner’s Circle — or is Mr. Ed dreaming?
Wager: Win.
(cost $20)
Race 6 (3:20 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes #5 Stunningly (8-1 morning line) for Steve Assmusen and Jose Ortiz. Stretching out, early speedster will benefit from Churchill Downs sprint debut. Wager: $20 to Win as well as $2 Exacta and Trifecta Boxes of 5/1,3,4.
(cost $38)
Race 9 (5:01 p.m. ET/2:01 p.m. PT)
I’m betting on #6 Lord of Flintshire (6-1 morning line). On-the-rise trainer Jorge Abreu takes blinkers off and rehires Jose Lezcano as he sends colt out in search of second lifetime victory. He’s been very oh-so-close in last three races, including open allowance in last. Wager: Win.
(cost $20)
Races 9-12 (5:01 p.m. ET/2:01 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes a $0.50 Pick 4
Race 9: 1,4,5,6
Race 10: 2,3,4,5
Race 11: 1,4,8,9
Race 12: 1,3
(cost $64)
Race 11 (6:11 p.m. ET/3:11 p.m. PT)
I’ll round out my card backing #8 Aunt Shirley (5-1 morning line) for sharp trainer Rudy Brisset, who attracts meet’s leading rider Irad Ortiz Jr. Toss muddy debut at Ellis Park. Daughter of Justify ready to rock ‘n’ roll in Grade 1 Spinaway Stakes. Wager: Win.
(cost $20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $182