Mr. Ed’s Keeneland Picks for Sunday, April 6:
BACKTRACKING MR. ED: After an eight-week sabbatical from playing the ponies, Mr. Ed is back in his VSiN saddle again. What did he ponder while away? He plans to focus on improving the three purposes of his column, (1) to enlighten readers by sharing insights into racing, gleaned by more than six decades of handicapping horses; (2) to entertain readers by sharing anecdotes about horses and the people involved in the game, and (3) to enrich one’s bankroll by offering winning selections. Mr. Ed will offer insights from HOF trainer “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons to modern master Bob Baffert; from the great Kelso to not-so-great Zippy Chippy; from Steve “The Kid” Cauthen to the ageless Mike Smith. Mr. Ed has more personal tales of trainers, horses and jockeys than Frankie Dettori has flying dismounts. Keep reading, you might learn something. Hopefully, you will be amused, entertained or both. And, you might just cash some tickets.
WEATHER ALERT: Based on the soggy forecast for Lexington, KY, through the weekend, one would be smart to concentrate their wagering dollars on friendly, indoor games of pickleball or ping pong. With 100% chance of rain, horseplayers at Keeneland can expect muddy and off-the-turf conditions throughout the day. But if you must play the ponies, here are Mr. Ed’s picks.
Mr. Ed’s Selections at Keeneland for Sunday, April 6
Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 4YOs & up going a mile on the turf (move to dirt likely)
Mr. Ed likes #4 EXPATRIATE (7-2 morning line) for tip-top trainer Chad Brown, who hires top jockey Flavien Prat to ride lightly raced daughter of Cairo Prince. Look for her closing kick in the stretch. I also like #2 GOATS ON A TREE (9-2), #5 HAY STACK (8-1) and #9 NEW ROME (4-1).
KEENELAND PICK: $10 to Win and $5 Exacta Boxes. ($40)
Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT) — $63K STARTER ALLOWANCE for 3YOs going about 7 furlongs
I like #4 MAGNUM FORCE (3-1 morning line) for outstanding trainer Brad Cox. Colt turns back after two excellent Place finishes. Rider upgrade to Flavien Prat positive move. Go ahead, make my day.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 Win & Place. ($20)
Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $130K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares 4YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile on the turf (move to dirt likely)
Mr. Ed likes #3 SEGESTA (2-1 morning line). Chad Brown trains; regular rider Irad Ortiz Jr. retains mount. Filly is fresh. Turnback suits running style.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $120K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YO fillies going 1 1/16-mile
I’m betting on these three: #8 ULTIMA GRACE (6-1 morning line) for Wesley Ward; #9 JUSTINQUESO (7-2) for Ian Wilkes, and #10 CHASTEN (3-1) for Brad Cox.
KEENELAND PICK: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YO fillies going 1 1/16-mile
I’m betting on #8 HIGH NOTE (6-1 morning line) to break maiden for Chad Brown and positive rider change to Joel Rosario. Trainer adds blinkers after rather dull debut effort at Tampa Downs, where she was bet way down to favorite.
KEENELAND PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $300K PALISADES STAKES for 3YOs going 5 ½ furlongs
Mr. Ed’s selections are: #2 OUT ON BAIL (7-2 morning line) for trainer Michael Maker with Luis Saez, who returns after losing by a neck last Fall. I also like #6 TURBULENT FORCE (6-1), with rider change to Flavien Prat, and #10 WARHEART (3-1), with new rider Jose Ortiz.
KEENELAND PICK: $5 Exacta Boxes. ($30)
Races 8-10 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $1 Keeneland Pick 3
R8: 2,6,10
R9: 1,3,5
R10: 2,3,6,7 ($36)
TOTAL WAGERS: $186 (scratches expected to reduce amount)
TRACKING MR. ED: He’ll return on Monday with full card selections at Keeneland. Note of caution: Soggy track conditions are expected to continue through Tuesday, resulting in many scratches.
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