Mr. Ed’s Saratoga Picks:
WEATHER ALERT: It appears uncertain weather conditions surrounding Hurricane Debby will dictate the fate of racing at the Spa for the remainder of the week. Overnight rain Tuesday into Wednesday saturated the grass courses, resulting in all three scheduled turf races being moved to the main oval and run with a limited number of horses. More of the same is expected through the weekend. Because of the uncertainty, Mr. Ed will concentrate his selections on races scheduled to be run on the main oval and only a few turf races for the next few days. Let’s look at Thursday’s Saratoga picks.
TRACKING MR. ED: Chalk players ruled Wednesday’s action with an average $2 Win ticket, returning a paltry $5.70. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione had a hat trick with three wins, while trainers Bill Mott and Michael Maker had two wins. And this just in: Mr. Ed had a net winning day, including a $94.50 Exacta in Race 7. Today’s 10-race card goes to post at 1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT.
Mr. Ed’s Best Bets at Saratoga for Thursday, August 8
Race 3 (2:18 p.m. ET/11:18 a.m. PT) — $125K JOHN MORRISSEY HANDICAP, NY-bred 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #6 LOOMS BOLDLY (3-1 morning line), trained by first-class conditioner Brad Cox and ridden by veteran Florent Geroux, the 4YO gelding will run as fast as he can as far as he can. Works indicate he’s ready to wire the field. Bold prediction.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 4 (2:52 p.m. ET/11:52 a.m. PT) — $80K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT restricted for 2YOs going 6 furlongs
My pick is #1 EIGHTY WEST (5-2 morning line) for the Dallas Stewart stable. Old guy’s tale: If Stewart is wearing a sharp suit and tie, he expects to have his picture taken. If not, pitch his horse. A rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione and rail post add to the appeal.
SARATOGA PICK: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 7 (4:35 p.m. ET/1:35 p.m. PT) — $60K MAIDEN CLAIMING — for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going a mile
I like a trio: #2 I’M THINKING (5-2 morning line) for Dutrow & Gaffalione; #6 BOURBON SERENGETI (3-1) for Cox-Franco team, and #7 AUTUMN’S TURN (8-1) for Contessa and Katie Davis.
SARATOGA PICK: $5 Exacta box. ($30)
Races 7-10
R7: 2,6,7
R8: 1,5,7
R9: 5,9
R10: 8,11
SARATOGA PICK: $.50 Pick 4. ($18)
Race 8 (5:10 p.m. ET/2:10 p.m. PT) — $75K CLAIMING for 4YOs & up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes four for the price of three: #1 NELSON AVENUE & #1A KUNSHAN BRIDGE (9-2 morning line); #5 LARK’S MISCHIEF (5-2), and #7 PIPES AND DRUMS (15-1).
SARATOGA PICK: $5 Exacta box. ($30)
TOTAL WAGERS: $108
ON TAP FRIDAY: If the weather cooperates, Friday’s 10-race card is shaping up to be one of the best weekday programs of the meet. Two highly competitive stakes, the $125K Evan Shipman Handicap (Race 2) and the $125K Union Avenue Handicap (Race 8), look to hold the keys to the early and late Pick 5s.
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