Saratoga Best Bets, news and notes
CLOSING DAY: Seems like only yesterday Mr. Ed was starved for action at Saratoga. Now, with only 10 races until the end of the 40-day meet, my appetite is far from being satisfied. My love of racing is ready for more, but my wallet has bled out. Hey, it’s time to bid the Spa good bye and the NFL hello, again. For those of you who have followed Mr. Ed’s selections here at VSiN all I can say is, “I hope you didn’t bet on them all.” Those who did are down with me a little more than $400, or $20 a day … As for pro football, I expect the Steelers, Bills, Chiefs and Jaguars to exceed expectations, while the Jets, Chargers, Broncos and ‘49ers to disappoint.
TRACKING MR ED: For the most part it was another frustrating day of early scores followed by a string of disappointing losses. Mr. Ed hit his first two plays of a $57 winner and a $37 Exacta for a total of $94 — and that’s how it ended. After scratches, I had $125 in action. For the day I lost $31. Here are Mr. Ed’s Labor Day selections:
Race No. 2 (1:13 p.m. ET/10:13 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes #6 COPPA GIRL (7-2 morning line). Three-year-old daughter of Constitution stretches out to 1 1/8-mile. Last two efforts at mile were excellent. Closing style works to filly’s advantage. Florent Geroux recruited to ride for superior Cox barn. Wager: $10 to Win.
Race No. 4 (2:19 p.m. ET/11:19 a.m. PT)
I’m betting on #3 JEMOGRAPHY (8-1 morning line) to give ice-cold trainer Chris Englehart a long-overdue victory in 7-furlong sprint. Second race following lengthy break points to improved effort. Regular rider Jose Lezcano returns to saddle. Wager: $5 Win and Place. ($10)
Race No. 5 (2:52 p.m. ET/11:52 a.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes #3 OKALOOSA (4-1 morning line) to win turf sprint for “get-me-out-of- town” trainer De Paz (one win in 40 starts), who hires my man Manny Franco to get gelding to the wire first. Innermost post benefits sprinter making her second start. Wager: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race No. 7 (4:00 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT)
I’m betting #10 WATERVILLE (7-2 morning line) uses her powerful closing kick to get job done in turf route. This gal’s been knocking at the door but denied by tough trips. Flavian Prat returns to irons for Clement. Wager: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race Nos. 8-10 (4:34 p.m. ET/1:34 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes a “get-me-out-of-debt” $1 Pick 3.
R8: 4,8,10
R9: 2,3,4,9
R10: 4,5,6,7,10 ($60)
Race No. 8 (4:34 p.m. ET/1:34 p.m. PT)
I like four horses, topped by longshot #4 BE THERE (12-1 morning line), to break winless meet for pal HOF trainer Nick Zito. Here’s the bet: Take the #4 over and under 2,3,9 for $5. Wager: $30. ($30).
Race No. 10 (5:44 p.m. ET/2:44 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed’s PLAY OF THE DAY #6 GOLD SWEEP (6-1 morning line). Steve Asmussen retains saddle services of top rider Jose Ortiz in prestigious G1 Hopeful Stakes for 2-year-olds. Mr. Ed’s “save-my-bankroll bet.” Wager: $20 to Win and Place. ($40)
TOTAL WAGERS: $190