Keeneland Picks for Sunday, April 19:

HORSING AROUND: How is it that on the chalkiest day of the meet at Keeneland, the oft-accused chalk-eating weasel Mr. Ed, gets shut out at the windows — and the average win ticket pays less than $10? Those who were more successful than Mr. Ed included jockeys Flavien Prat and Luis Saez with three wins apiece (while Irad Ortiz Jr. was at Oaklawn Park) while Johnny Velasquez booted home a pair. Leading trainer Brad Cox with two wins, was the lone conditioner with more than a single score. Later in Arkansas, third choice WHITE ABARRIO defeated favorites Sovereignty and Journalism in the Oaklawn Park Handicap.

Looking ahead to Sunday, there is a challenging nine-race program loaded with maiden and claiming contests. While licking his horseplaying wounds overnight, here are Mr. Ed’s picks for Sunday’s card, which goes to post at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT.

Mr. Ed’s Keeneland Selections for Sunday (4/19)

Race 1 — $84K for 4YOs & Up going 1⅛-mile 

Mr. Ed likes either of two: favorite #3 TARANTINO (7-5 morning line), making 36th start, gelded runner has Jose Ortiz aboard for third straight race; or #6 GOLDENEYE (9-2) going for popular trainer Kenny McPeek with Flavien Prat to ride.

KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 3,6/1,5. ($20)

Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $49K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 1⅛-mile

To complete the early DD, Mr. Ed likes either #1 BARTENDER (9-5 morning line) dropping in class for popular team of Brad Cox and Irad Ortiz, Jr., and #5 COUNTRY CLUB (3-1) gets rider upgrade to Flavien Prat from trainer Rudy Brisset.

Mr. Ed recalls one night at a country bar, when … not for now.

Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $53K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 6 furlongs

Mr. Ed’s longshot pick is #14 SPOTTED (8-1 morning line) for trainer Lauren Robson who makes big rider change to Tyler Gaffalione for coed’s second start. An outsider.

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KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 to Win, Place & Show. ($15)

Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile

Mr. Ed likes another Gaffalione-rides-on-the-outside pick #9 UP COUNTRY (6-5 morning line) for excellent trainer Brendan Walsh. 

KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)

Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 

3YOs going about 7 furlongs

What’s not to like about #7 FINAL STORY (4-5 morning line)? Son of Candy Ride, Brad Cox trains, Irad Ortiz, Jr. rides and he’s Mr. Ed’s choice to win.

KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)

Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs going 1 3/16-mile on the grass

Mr. Ed’s chooses late-running #10 NOBLE DYNASTY (6-1 morning line) for trainer Bill Mott, with significant jockey change to Luis Saez. He knows how to close.

KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)

Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for 4YOs & Up going about 7 furlongs

Mr. Ed likes a trio: #4 TRE ITALIANI (4-1 morning line) for sharp trainer Larry Rivelli, who hires new rider Luis Corrales; #6 ELNAJD (8-5) for Cox-Irad team, and #8 ACADEMY (8-1), well-spotted Graham Motion trainee with Johnny Velazquez up.

KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)

Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $300K PALISADES STAKES for 3YOs going 5½-furlongs on the turf

Mr. Ed likes two: #4 SCHWARZENEGGER (4-1 morning line) for HOF team of Wes Ward and Johnny Velasquez, and #11 INTRICATE SPIRIT (9-2) for Miguel Clement with regular rider Joel Rosario returning to saddle. Either one’s a winner.

KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 4,11/2,11. ($30)

Race 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT) — $85K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs going 7 furlongs

To close out the late DD, Mr. Ed picks #2 NON CONFORMING (10-1 morning line) and #11 ASHEVILLE (5-1) for the powerful team of Brad Cox and Irad Ortiz, Jr. Nothing conforming about hippy-dippy NC mountain city.

TOTAL WAGERS: $145

COUNTDOWN TO KENTUCKY DERBY: Mr. Ed will release his final Derby Dirty Dozen +1 on Wednesday as the Triple Crown season heats up prior to the Run for the Roses on Saturday, May 2, at Churchill Downs. The current Spring meet at Keeneland concludes on Friday, April 24.

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