Saratoga Best Bets:
TRACKING MR. ED: Blue skies, sunshine, and FAST & FIRM conditions greeted racegoers on Day 6 of the Saratoga meet. When all was run and done, with a few exceptions, chalky picks prevailed, with the average win ticket paying $10.10. Popular jockey Tyler Gaffalione had three winners and rider Kendrick Carmouche had a pair, while trainer Michael Maker made two trips to the Winner’s Circle. Sure signs a handicapper knows he’s in a slump: Two top picks lose win photos by a whisker; bet a three-horse exacta box and they finish 1,3 or 2,3; front-running win pick goes to its knees while leaving the starting gate, spotting all others a dozen lengths. The only good thing about a slump is that it eventually ends — and Mr. Ed lives to love horseplaying the very next day. Let’s check out my Saratoga best bets for Friday.
Mr. Ed’s Best Bets at Saratoga for Friday, July 19
Race 1 (1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT) — $100K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHTS for 2YOs going 5 ½ furlongs on turf
Mr. Ed likes #1 GOVERNOR SAM (8-5 morning line) for veteran trainer George Weaver and premier rider Irad Ortiz Jr. and Irish import #4 AFTER TAXES (4-1), trained by Wesley Ward and ridden by Tyler Gaffalione in the first leg of Daily Double.
Race 2 (1:44 p.m. ET/10:44 a.m PT) — $60K CLAIMING for fillies & mares 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile on turf
I like #8 DEA MATRONA (3-1 morning line), ridden by Manny Franco, and #9 IT’S HOT IN HERE (9-2), ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. Both trained by Chad Brown to complete wager.
SARATOGA BEST BET: 1,4/8,9 $5 DAILY DOUBLE. ($20)
Race 3 (2:18 p.m. ET/11:18 a.m. PT) — $135K CURLIN STAKES for 3YOs going 1 ⅛-mile
Mr. Ed likes #1 UNMATCHED WISDOM (4-5 morning line), the promising son of Cairo Prince. Precocious colt, a perfect 2-for-2, moves up into stakes company for first time. Trained by Chad Brown, Flavien Prat retains the ride. Smart guy.
SARATOGA BEST BET OF DAY: $30 to Win. ($30)
Race 4 (2:52 p.m. ET/11:11:52 a.m. PT) — $65K MAIDEN for 4YOs & up going 1 ⅛-mile
I’m betting #8 COMMAND PERFORMANCE (3-1 morning line), adding blinkers, will be ridden aggressively by Luis Saez, who returns to the saddle. He drops in class for young trainer Joe Sharp.
SARATOGA BEST BET: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 5 (3:27 p.m. ET/12:27 p.m. PT) — $60 MAIDEN CLAIMING for fillies and mares 3YO & up going 1 1/16-mile on turf
Mr. Ed likes #1, NOT GUILTY (9-2 morning line), making her third start for trainer Cherie DeVaux, whose barn is lighting up the totes. Jose Ortiz replaces brother Irad in the irons. Unanimous decision.
SARATOGA BEST BET: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 6 (4:02 p.m. ET/1:02 p.m. PT) — $90K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHTS for 2YOs going 5 ½ furlongs
I like #8 SARATOGA WARRIOR (7-2 morning line) speedy first-timer impressive and after superior work for favorite conditioner Danny Gargan. Luis Saez picks up mount.
SARATOGA BEST BET: $10 to Win. ($10)
Races 8-10 (5:10 p.m. ET/2:10 p.m. PT) — $110K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
SARATOGA BEST BET: $1 Pick 3
Race 8: 6,7,9
Race 9: 4,5,10
Race 10: 3,4,9 ($27)
TOTAL WAGERS: $1O7
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