Keeneland Horse Racing Picks and Predictions for Wednesday, April 15

Keeneland Picks for Wednesday, April 15:

PLAY IT FORWARD: While journeying home from his nearly 1,000-mile round trip to bluegrass country, Mr. Ed had a brief, unexpected encounter with kindness. Around 6 a.m. in a Waffle House somewhere in the West Virginia mountains, the only other customer in the eatery came to Mr. Ed’s table and inquired as to his military history. The man seemed disappointed upon learning that Mr. Ed had not personally served (both of his brothers had — one in Korea). The fellow then informed Mr. Ed that he, himself, had in fact spent a year in the war-torn Pacific rim nation in the early 1950s, much of it in freezing sub-zero temperatures. With sympathy, Mr. Ed thanked him for serving our nation under such extreme conditions and hoped he would never be cold again. Fifteen minutes later, after the gentleman exited the restaurant, the waitress informed Mr. Ed there would be no charge for his $20 breakfast —  the elderly man had picked up his tab. Upon leaving, Mr. Ed presented the waitress with a pair of $2 bills. Surprised and delighted, she expressed her gratitude. Kindness indeed is its own reward.

WHAT’S WITH THE $2 BILLS, MR. ED?: Try giving them as tips. They often make a recipient’s day. Far too many years ago, a mentor taught Mr. Ed that for just a dollar more, the tipper can receive more than twice as much positive attention in return. Whenever he’s on the road for business or pleasure, Mr. Ed’s sure to have a fistful of deuces in his pocket to recognize exceptional service. Try it.

TODAY AT KEENELAND: The eight-race card is short, sweet and highly playable. Mr. Ed will pass on any early DD action, limiting his picks to the final six contests. 

Here’s a brief look at his half-dozen Wednesday bets.

Mr. Ed’s Keeneland Selections for Wednesday (4/15)

Race 3 (2:04 p.m. ET/11:04 a.m. PT) — $84K CLAIMING for 4YOs & Up going 6½ furlongs
Mr. Ed backs #6 KAVOD (2-1 morning line) as the old pro shoots for the million-dollar lifetime earnings mark. He’s trained by Joe Sharp; Jose Ortiz returns to ride. Gelding should be able to handle the class boost.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)

Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT) — $110 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs & Up going 5½ furlongs
Mr. Ed picks #3 I’M TROUBLE (3-1 morning line) to beat a deep field for excellent trainer Wesley Ward, who removes blinkers and hires Johnny V. to ride. Return to turf and drop in class point to a winning effort. Lots of trouble for others.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)

Race 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $50K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 6½ furlongs 
Mr. Ed’s pick is #8 SHE’S NO ANGEL (3-1 morning line) for out-of-town trainer Gustavo Esquivel, who retains veteran jockey Martin Garcia. She’ll benefit from the outside post and class drop. 
KEENELAND SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)

Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $110K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 3YOs & Up going 5½ furlongs on the grass
Mr. Ed likes three for the money: #5 GYPSY ART (2-1 morning line), new gelding ships in from NY for Wesley Ward with Johnny Velazquez returning to ride; #7 JUBILEE PARADE (3-1) for classy team of Bill Mott and Junior Alvarado, and #10 FUZZY STARE (9-2), another for Ward with Irad Ortiz, Jr. picking up mount.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box of 5,7,10. ($30)

Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT) — $120K ALLOWANCE for 4YOs & Up going 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed likes a pair to start late DD: #2 ROTHKO (7-5 morning line) for Brad Cox, who picks up jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. while dropping blinkers, and #4  SWEETALKINGBOURBON (6-1) with Jose Ortiz, who returns to ride for sharp Cherie DeVaux barn. Either one works.
KEENELAND SELECTION: $5 Daily Double 2,4/1,6. ($20)

Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT) — $140K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 4YOs & Up going 1 1/16-mile on the turf
Mr. Ed’s betting on either #1 ZADORSKY (8-1 morning line) for Whit Beckman with Luis Saez up, or #6 AUSTERE (9-2) for Brendan Walsh with jockey Tyler Gaffalione, who is emerging from a recent slump. Either of these can get job done.

TOTAL WAGERS: $100

THURSDAY AT KEENELAND: Another excellent mid-week card from the bluegrass state features an excellent mix of allowance and claiming contests. Post time for the nine-race program is 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. Mr. Ed will be on hand to offer his exclusive VSiN selections.

The post Keeneland Horse Racing Picks and Predictions for Wednesday, April 15 appeared first on VSiN.