In the aftermath of an exhilarating Masters tournament, Mr. Ed took a couple of days to recover from the adrenaline rush before shifting focus back to horse racing. While today’s eight-race card at Keeneland may not feature the most exciting matchups, it still offers some intriguing opportunities for handicappers. Leading jockeys include Flavien Prat with 12 wins, followed by the Ortiz brothers and Luis Saez, each boasting ten victories. Among trainers, Brad Cox leads with seven wins, trailed closely by Brenda Walsh, Wesley Ward, and Eddie Kenneally. Below are Mr. Ed's carefully selected plays for Wednesday’s races, which commence at 1 p.m. ET.
The second race presents an opportunity with #14 WHAT’S HER NUMBER, prepared by Joe Sharp and set to drop in class with top rider Jose Ortiz aboard. In the third race, Mr. Ed favors #8 SLIP MAHONEY, a gelding with nearly $500,000 in earnings who is stepping down in class under the guidance of trainer Jose D’Angelo. The fourth race features Mr. Ed's best bet of the day, #10 DOUBLE BARREL, trained by the exceptional Brad Cox and ridden by Flavien Prat. This combination promises a significant advantage due to a notable class drop.
Turning to the fifth race, three contenders stand out: #3 CANDY MINE, receiving Lasix for her second start and moving to turf; #6 SOFTWARE, benefiting from Flavien Prat’s expertise; and #8 PRACTICAL LOV, with Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and Johnny V. on board. For the sixth race, Mr. Ed highlights #3 JUSTIFREAK, trained by Eddie Kenneally and piloted by Flavien Prat, as well as #5 DARIOUSH, representing Michael Stidham. Additionally, Races 6-8 offer a Pick 3 opportunity for those seeking more complex betting strategies.
As the excitement builds toward the Kentucky Derby, Mr. Ed provides his top ten ratings. Notable contenders include Rodriguez, Sovereignty, Journalism, Luxor Cafe, and Sandman, among others. Each horse brings unique strengths and challenges to the table, making the upcoming Derby a thrilling spectacle to anticipate.
Looking ahead to Thursday's nine-race card at Keeneland, fans can expect four allowance contests and a challenging maiden special weight sprint for Kentucky-bred horses. With sharp trainer Wesley Ward showcasing four runners, the stage is set for another engaging day of racing action. Post time remains at 1 p.m. ET, and Mr. Ed will continue sharing his exclusive insights through VSiN selections.
