Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Picks for Friday, June 13:
RETURN TO CHURCHILL DOWNS: Other than your losses, Mr. Ed, did you enjoy the racing festival at Saratoga? I did, thank you! Handicapping and playing five consecutive days of quality racing at the Spa is better than horseplaying, win or lose, anywhere else. In fact, today’s rather mundane card at Churchill Downs has me anticipating a great July 4th return to the Spa. More on that as Mr. Ed gets closer to the mini-meet preceding the 40-day Saratoga racing season. I offer several sharp selections today and Saturday at Churchill. Let’s cash some tickets. Here’s a brief look at today’s plays.
Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Selections for Friday, June 13
Race 1 (12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT) — $72K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs going a mile
Mr. Ed sees slim pickings here. I like two: #1 PREPOSITION (3-1 morning line) for Steve Asmussen, who hires Jose Ortitz to replace son Keith in the saddle, and #5 SINISTER SMILE (6-5) for top conditioner Brad Cox with always-tough jock Luis Saez. These two look to be the cream of a weak maiden crop.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 1,5/5,7. ($20)
Race 2 (1:14 p.m. ET/10:14 a.m. PT) — $48K MAIDEN CLAIMING FOR for 3YOs & up going 5½ furlongs
To complete the wager, Mr. Ed picks #5 SOCO AND LIMES with Carlos Barbosa in saddle, and #7 CHADO (9-2 morning line), who adds Lasix and promising young rider Luan Machado to complete Daily Double.
Race 3 (1:43 p.m. ET/10:43 a.m. PT) — $76K STARTER ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 4YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile
My PLAY OF THE DAY is #2 WINDY WALK for sharp trainer Chris Davis who retains Luis Saez to ride. Filly looks to repeat recent win effort vs. lesser crew. Wins in a walk.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 4 (2:13 p.m. ET/11:13 a.m. PT) — $36K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #9 BELLE CHERIE (7-2 morning line) for superior conditioner Michael Maker, who brings Jose Ortiz back to ride mare who has been posting sharp morning works. Drops in class. Score rings the bell.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $10 to Win
Race 5 (2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT) — $83K STARTER ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile on turf
My bet is on #2 MALIBU SMART (4-1 morning line) for trainer Chris Hartman and regular rider Raphael Bejarano. Improving speed figures point toward smart effort.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $10 to Win ($10)
Race 6 (3:18 p.m. ET/12:18 p.m. PT) — $141K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
I like #7 DISCREET MISCHIEF (5-2 morning line) for super trainer Brad Cox who rehires Florent Geroux to ride. I’m counting on 4YO colt to repeat last month’s easy win at Keeneland. Looking for hat trick.
CHURCHILL SELECTION: $1 to Win ($10)
Races 7-9 (3:50 p.m. ET/12:50 p.m. PT) — $134K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile
$1 Pick 3 — Multi-race wager
R7: 2,3,4,5
R8: 3,5,9
R9: 3,6,9 ($36)
TOTAL WAGERS: $106
SATURDAY AT THE RACES: A pair of stakes highlight the 10-race card at Churchill Downs. Race 5, The Monomoy, is for 3YO fillies going 1 1/16-mile with a purse of $175K. Six are entered, including the undefeated #2 IMMERSIVE (4-5) for conditioner Brad Cox. Manny Franco rides. Race 10, the $200K Chorleywood, for 4YOs & up going 1 ⅜-mile on the turf, has drawn a competitive field of 10. Mr. Ed will have his selections here on VSiN.com.
