Keeneland Picks for Friday, April 3:

HORSING AROUND IN THE BLUEGRASS: The short, yet sweet, annual Spring meet opens at Keeneland today. Spread across hundreds of acres of lush, rolling bluegrass in the hills of central Kentucky, all who visit cherish the memory of its gorgeous green beauty. Think of Keeneland as The Masters of horse racing. Serious players like all too-serious Mr. Ed, or family day-tripping picnickers alike, cite various reasons for their love of Keeneland: its oh-so-green, rural setting; the excitement of first-class racing; the welcoming staff clad in green blazers; the variety and quality of food (famous bread pudding) & beverage (bourbon) offerings, its ease of wagering, and the care for its 40,000-a-day patrons. So, welcome to racing at Keeneland. Mr. Ed will be offering his selections on VSiN every race day leading up to Kentucky Derby week in early May. (He plans to be on hand at Keeneland, April 9-11). Post time for today’s 10-race card is 1:00 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. Let’s take a look at Mr. Ed’s selections: 

Mr. Ed’s Selections for Keeneland, Friday (4/03)

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Race 1 — $90K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs going 4½ furlongs
Mr. Ed likes either of a pair to open the wagering: #5 BOURBON TOWN (6-1 morning line) for low-profile trainer Rey Hernandez with high-profile rider Luis Saez. Colt sports excellent works. And, or #6 WAGGLEY (7-5) for the super-popular team of trainer Wesley Ward and jockey Joel Rosario.
KEENELAND SELECTIONS: $5 Daily Double of 5,6/4,5. ($20)

Race 2 (1:32 p.m. ET/10:32 a.m. PT) — $63K STARTER ALLOWANCE for 3YO fillies going 7 furlongs
To complete the DD, I’m betting on either #4 EDEY (9-2 morning line) with Jose Ortiz riding or #5 MISS CALL (5-2) for veteran local trainer Kenny McPeek. 

Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $130K ALLOWANCE for 4YOs & Up going 5½ furlongs on the turf
Mr. Ed likes #9 DONUT GOD (6-1 morning line) for trainer Brian Lynch and HOF rider Johnny Velazquez. Expensive first-time gelding gets Lasix while moving to grass and cutting back. Lots to like. Tasting Krispy Kreme in heaven.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)

Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YO fillies going 6 ½ furlongs
Mr. Ed’s money is on #9 PHANTOM BLUE (4-1 morning line) for trainer Brendan Walsh, who recruits Tyler Gaffalione to ride. Super-expensive ($1.2 million) debuting filly has been working hard since December for this spot. Mr. Ed sings the Blues.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)

Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $400K LAFAYETTE STAKES for 3YOs going 7 furlongs
Three for the money: #2 KNOCK IT OFF (2-1 morning line) for trainer Steve Asmussen with Jose Ortiz returning to ride; #6 CARSON STREET (8-1) blinkers added with big rider upgrade to all-star Flavien Prat, and #7 OSCAR’S HOPE (9-2) with Irad Ortiz, Jr. riding for rookie trainer Kinnon LaRose. I like my chances.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 2,6,7. ($30)

Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for 4YOs & Up going 1⅛-mile on the grass
Mr. Ed likes #8 MOUNT HOREB (6-1 morning line) for trainer Brendan Walsh with a big rider upgrade to Flavien Prat. Hopes to recapture form with return to turf.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)

Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $400K G2 BEAUMONT STAKES for 3YO fillies going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s BEST BET OF THE DAY is #3 SNEAKY GOOD (9-5 morning line) for sharp Brad Cox with always sharp Flavien Prat riding. With score, expensive gal could earn a spot in Kentucky Oaks. Good or bad, there’s nothing sneaky about her.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win.

Race 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT) — $750K G1 ASHLAND STAKES for 3YO fillies going 1 1/16-miles 
Mr. Ed picks an ice-cold DD of #3 ZANY (4-5 morning line) and #10 DEMOCRACY DEFENDER (4-1) in Race 10. Both of these, with top connections, look like fan favorites and winners to me.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 Daily Double. ($10)

TOTAL WAGERS: $140

BLUEGRASS STAKES AND THE WOOD MEMORIAL ON SATURDAY

The final two big Kentucky Derby preps in the East have attracted excellent fields. Class President, Reagan’s Honor and Further Ado are entered in the Bluegrass at Keeneland, while Talkin, Napoleon Solo, Bravaro, Butane and Iron Honor are listed to run in the Wood at Aqueduct. Inspired by outstanding race cards at both locations, Mr. Ed will offer his exclusive VSiN selections for Saturday at Keeneland and Aqueduct.

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