Saratoga's top picks:
FOLLOWING MR. ED: To paraphrase award-winning New York Times sports writer Red Smith when asked how to get to Saratoga Springs, “Drive 150 miles north on the highway, turn right on Union Avenue and head back 100 years.” Unfortunately, Tropical Storm Debbie followed Smith's instructions to the letter. Friday's race was completely ruined as Debbie's remains were soaked. The final two races were taken off the turf on Thursday as outside rain heralded the storm's arrival around 3:30 EST. At the window, chalk once again dominated the day. The average $2 win bet returned a meet-low $7.59. Irad Ortiz Jr. won three races, while Tyler Gaffalione, Mr. Ed and popular trainer David Donk each won two races. So, let's take a look at Saturday's Saratoga predictions.
Saturday at Spa: Pray for fast, solid racing. Early races are underwhelming and ultimately prove to be just an appetizer for a main course of talent-packed racing. Fans will be hungry for two highly competitive stakes, including the G2 Troy (Race 9). It's a fitting feast for the most voracious of horse racing fans, especially Mister Ed and VSiN fans. Below is a wet selection of Mister Ed's.
Ed's best bets at Saratoga on Saturday, August 10th
Races 1 & 2 (12:35 PM ET/9:35 AM PT) — Two $100K Maiden Special weights
Mr. Ed prefers the Daily Double: In race one, #2 SANDMAN (morning line 7-2) will be steered by Dylan Davis for trainer Mark Casse, and in race two, #4 BANNED FOR LIFE (9-2) will be steered by Al Stoll Jr. for “Overdue Lou” Saez.
Saratoga Special: 2/4 Daily Doubles for Ten Dollars. ($10)
Race 3 (1:39 p.m. ET/10:39 a.m. PT) — 4-year-olds and older, 6 furlongs, $60,000 purse
My pick is the favorite #4 SECRET RULES (9am-5am line) ridden by the experienced Linda Rice and reliable jockey Jose Lezcano. The drop in class shows Rice has a shot at winning, but is outdone by a stable of 7-year-olds in the claiming box.
Saratoga Prediction: Ten dollars ($10) to win
Race 5 (2:44 p.m. ET/11:44 a.m. PST) — $35,000 purse for 3-year-old fillies and broodmares running six and a half furlongs.
Mr. Ed will take on promising jockey Katie Davis in the #8 TIL THERE WAS YOU (Morning Line 6-1) for trainer Ray Handel, switching from a mile and class dropkey to a more aggressive effort, no problem on a wet track.
Saratoga Pick: $5 to win and second place. ($10)
Race 7 (3:18 p.m. ET/12:18 p.m. PT) — $100,000 Maiden Special Weight for 2-year-olds, 1 1/16 miles on turf.
I'm favoring No. 11 Clocktower (6-1 morning line) ridden by Johnny Velazquez, ridden by Speedmaster. I think this race will be taken off the turf course. If it is, the form of the race, Churchill's initial effort, and the connections all point to a win. Time is of the essence.
Saratoga Prediction: Twenty dollars to win. ($20)
Race 9 (3:54 p.m. ET/12:54 p.m. PT) — G2 $300,000 Troy Stakes for 4-year-olds and up, 5 ½ furlongs on turf
Ed believes #4 Cogburn (1-2 morning line) will dominate on both turf and dirt. Millionaire has been superbly managed by all-time winner Steve Asmussen and has comfortably won his last two starts with Irad Ortiz Jr.
Saratoga Pick: Fifty dollars ($50) to win
Race 11 (5:06 p.m. ET/2:06 p.m. PST) — Starter Allowance for 4-year-olds and older, 6 furlongs, $40,000
Ed likes the #6 print rack of Rudy Rodriguez and Luis Saez (2-1 morning line).
Race 12 (5:43 p.m. ET/2:43 p.m. PT) — $150,000 Galway Stakes for 3-year-old fillies over 5 1/2 furlongs on turf
Ed likes #11 VALUE AREA (morning line 9-2) when Todd Pletcher and Johnny Velazquez compete on anything but the turf.
Saratoga Pick: Daily Double Ten Dollars. ($10)
Total bet: $110
Sunday at Saratoga Race Course: Two heavyweight Grade 1 stakes, the $500K Forster Dave (Race 10) and the $600K Saratoga Derby (Race 11), have both been moved over from Saturday's program and will highlight an 11-race card scheduled to begin at 1:10 pm ET/10:10 am PT.
