HORSING AROUND: When all was said and run on Wednesday’s mid-Derby-week, 10-race card Irad Ortiz Jr. led the all-star jockey colony with three trips to the Winner’s Circle, followed by Tyler Gaffalione, who captured the early Daily Double. Wesley Ward led all trainers with a pair of victories. At the windows, a $55 bomb in the Race 10 finale upended a day loaded with chalk. Discarding the longshot, the average $2 Win ticket paid $6.90.

THURBY AT CHURCHILL: Let the fun begin! Thurby is the day Louisville locals celebrate everything — in town and at the track — leading up to the KENTUCKY OAKS on Friday and the KENTUCKY DERBY on Saturday. Thursday’s program features a 12-race card, including three stakes as well as several playable allowance and maiden contests. Post time for the first race is 12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT. Sunny skies with a high in the low-60s are forecast. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections.

Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Selections for Thurby (4/30)

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Race 1 — $78K CLAIMING for 3YOs and Up going 6 furlongs 
Mr. Ed likes either of a pair to win the first half of DD: #1 BANNED FOR LIFE (8-5 morning line) for Al Stall with Luis Saez returning to ride; and #4 STAR’S IMAGE (9-2) for trainer Joe Sharp with a big switch to leading rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. and addition of Lasix.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Daily Doubles of 1,4/1,4. ($20)

Race 2 (1:15 p.m. ET/10:15 a.m. PT) — $127K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 6 furlongs 
To complete DD, Mr. Ed’s betting on either #1 DELIGHTFUL CLAIRE (6-5 morning line) for trainer Phil Bauer with rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione, while turning back in distance, and #4 CHATTER (5-2) for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. with Irad Ortiz, Jr. Sharp sprinter ready to strike.

Race 3 (1:45 p.m. ET/10:45 a.m. PT) — $57K MAIDEN CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going a mile
Mr. Ed’s pick is second-time starter #5 SPOTTED (7-2 morning line) for high-percentage trainer Lauren Robson, who hires Tyler Gaffalione to ride. 
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)

Race 4 (2:18 p.m ET/11:18 a.m. PT) — $67K MAIDEN CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 1 1/16 mile on the grass
Mr. Ed likes outsider #12 BREAKING HEARTS (5-1 morning line) for excellent horsewoman Cherie DeVaux, who calls on Jose Ortiz, Jr. to ride coed to victory on class drop. Look for the expensive filly to break maiden in her fourth start.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)

Race 7 (4:03 p.m. ET/1:03 p.m. PT) — $120K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 1 1/16 mile on the turf
Mr. Ed’s PLAY OF THE DAY is #1 HONFLEUR (9-5 morning line) for always sharp trainer Chad Brown, who rehires Flavien Prat to ride. If improving filly can avoid trouble, she’s a winner. You go, girl.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTIONS: $20 to Win & $10 Daily Double of 1&1. ($30)

Race 8 (4:40 p.m. ET/1:40 p.m. PT) — $83K STARTER ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed completes DD with #1 ANGEL BELLA (5-2 morning line) for sharp conditioner Whit Beckman. In effort to break maiden in fourth start, he retains young rider Luan Machado. Move to sprint key to win in stretch.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)

Race 9 (5:14 p.m. ET/2:14 p.m. PT) — $300K OPENING VERSE STAKES for 4YOs & Up going a mile on the turf
Mr. Ed’s pick is #8 LAGYNOS (8-5 morning line) for top trainer Steve Asmussen with Jose Ortiz returning for a fourth consecutive ride. This team knows how to win. Total earnings exceed $2 million.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)

Race 10 (5:50 p.m. ET/2:50 p.m. PT) — $200K ST. MATTHEWS STAKES for 4YOs & Up going 6 furlongs 
Mr. Ed likes either of a pair: #2 BUILT (3-1 morning line) for Wayne Catalano with underrated rider Jareth Loveberry, or #9 MAXIMUM BOURBON (9-2) for trainer Phil D’Amato and Flavien Prat to capture the first leg of late DD.
CHURCHILL DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 2,9/5,8. ($20)

Race 11 (6:22 p.m. ET/3:22 p.m. PT) — $300K G2 MAMZELLE STAKES for 3YOs going 5½ furlongs on the turf
To close out the late DD, Mr. Ed’s picks are: #5 CY FAIR (5-2 morning line) for George Weaver with Irad Ortiz, Jr. returning to saddle, and #8 SLAY THE DAY (3-1) for the team of Brian Lynch and HOFer Johnny Velazquez.

TOTAL WAGERS: $150

OAKS DAY AT CHURCHILL: Led by Race 13  $1.5 million G1 KENTUCKY OAKS, the stellar program includes five additional stakes. First post is at 12:30 p.m. PT/9:20 p.m. PT with the “evening” OAKS going off at 8:40 p.m. ET/5:40 p.m. PT. Mr. will return with his exclusive OAKS Day selections. And remember, a long day at the track beats a short one anywhere else,

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