Saratoga Best Bets, news and notes
TRACKING MR ED: Chalk one up for the good horseplayer within me. I bought tickets worth $125 and, at the end of the day, received $213 in return for a profit of $88 — just enough to cover a jumbo shrimp cocktail and Buffalo Trace manhattan, plus tax and tip at Jeff Ruby’s. (DISCLAIMER: all products and establishments mentioned by Mr. Ed, even if they resemble real people, places and things, are figments of his overactive imagination) … So, with only two postings remaining in my 20-day exercise at handicapping the Spa, Mr. Ed is in the tank for about 425 clams (unaudited), give or take a bowl of chowder.
SPA STATS: With only two days of racing left, Irad Ortiz has all but clinched the riding title with 55 wins. Brother Jose (36) leads the also rans, followed closely by Tyler Gaffalione (34), local favorite Manny Franco (32) and always-smiling Katie Davis (6) … In a tight race for leading trainer, Chad Brown hold a 4-win magnifying over Linda Rice and is 6 wins ahead of Todd Pletcher … As for a Sunday at my favorite park, here are Mr. Ed’s exclusive selections for VSiN.com subscribers: Race No. 2 (1:13 p.m. ET/10:13 a.m. PT) Mr. Ed likes #4 BON ADIEU (7-2 morning line). Danny Gargan trains and smiling Katie Davis guides NY-bred maiden with a closing kick to the Winner’s Circle. Three of her earlier dull efforts have been on OFF surfaces. Hello sunshine! Wager: $10 to Win and Place. ($20)
Race No. 3 (1:48 p.m. ET/10:48 a.m. PT)
I like three, starting with coupled extra of #1 LEADING CONTENDER (5-1 morning line) and #1A MOORE’s LAW (5-1); #4 OLYMPIC DREAMS (2-1), and #5 FILM STAR (9-5). Wager: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race No. 4 (2:19 p.m. ET/11:19 a.m. PT)
Ed Sehon likes #3 SPRINKLEHEAD (12-1 morning line) well-bred gelded son of Mshawish. Tough luck conditioner Jose D’Angelo recruits one of New York’s finest, Manny Franco to ride. Class jump indicates trainer is confident Manny will drop this bomb. Wager $5 to Win, Place and Show. ($15)
Race No. 5 (2:52 p.m. ET/11:52 a.m. PT)
Ed Sehon likes #10 PICCATA PRINCE (5-2 morning line). Colt tries grass after disappointing outcome on muddy surface. His abilities should shine in turf sprint. Manny rides for first-class conditioner Linda Rice. Wager: $10 Win and Place. ($20)
Race No. 7 (4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed likes #9 HARRY HOOD (7-2 morning line). Trainer Mark Henning, who is having an excellent meet, turns to Johnny Velasquez to get job done v. competitive grass routers. Son of First Samurai going in right direction. Wager: $10 Win and Place. ($20)
Race No. 8 (4:36 p.m. ET/1:36 p.m. PT)
Always looking for value, anytime Mr. Ed can get two for the price of one, he climbs aboard. My bet is the coupled entry of #1 RIVER TAY and #1A FROM HELLO (both at fine 8-1 morning line). Sharp work by River Tay raises prospect of repeat win for Katie the smiling lady. Wager: $5 Win and Place. ($10)
Race No. 9 (5:10 p.m. ET/2:10 p.m. PT)
Mr. Ed keys three: #3 SUGAR HIGH (6-1 morning line); and #8 WAYS AND MEANS (7-5), #9 BRIGHTWORK (2-1). Wager: $5 Exacta box. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $145