HAPPY HOLIDAY: The New York Racing Association (NYRA) is offering avid weekend horseplayers, like Mr. Ed, a mid-week Independence Day treat in the form of a strong nine-race card at “Belmont at the Big A.” This gives Mr. Ed a chance to recover from his dismal showing last Saturday as well as an opportunity to rebuild his bankroll prior to first-class racing at Saratoga Race Course which begins Thursday. In addition to today’s holiday selections, I’ll be back on Saturday with another weekly round of Mr. Ed’s Best Bets. Looking for fireworks at the track? You’ve come to the right place. Let’s get to some Belmont at Aqueduct best bets. Happy 4th of July!
Race 2 (1:36 p.m. ET/10:36 a.m. PT) — $100K Allowance/Claiming for 4YO fillies, 1 ⅛-mile
For those willing to digest a little ice-cold chalk to regain their winning ways (like Mr. Ed), you’ve come to the right place. My choice is #6 SEDONA (1-1 morning line). Take a $2 million daughter of super stud Curlin + the nation’s top rider + excellent trainer = formula for success. I’m betting on her today and plan to do so again in a major stakes race next month at Saratoga. Welcome to Chalk City!
MR. ED’S BEST BETS OF DAY: $20 to Win & $10 Daily Double with #1 in Race 3. ($30)
Race 3 (2:07 p.m. ET/11:07 a.m. PT) — $150K PERFECT STING STAKES, for fillies & mares, 4YOs & up, 1-mile on turf
Speaking of chalk, Mr. Ed likes #1 MOUFFY (7-5 morning line). Sharp conditioner Thomas drops the daughter of Uncle Moe down into overnight ranks following three graded stakes efforts, where she held her own. Yankee Doodle Dettori retains the ride.
BELMONT AT AQUEDUCT BEST BET: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $105K Allowance/Claiming for 4YOs & up, 6 furlongs on turf
Enough chalk for now. Mr. Ed likes #2 THIN WHITE DUKE (8-1 morning line), who gets class relief in an effort to regain ‘23 form. Jose Oritz jumps aboard for trainer David Donk. She’ll need a quick break to spring upset. Bombs away!
BELMONT AT AQUEDUCT BEST BET: $5 Win & Place, $2 Exacta boxes with 1,3,7 & $.50 Pick 4 (races 6-9)
R6: 1,2,3,7
R7: 1,6
R8: 1,3,5
R9: 1,8 ($46)
Race 7 (4:11 p.m. ET/1:11 p.m. PT) — $100K Allowance for 3YOs, 1 ⅜-mile on turf
Mr. Ed likes three for the price of two: #1 GOING CONCERN & #1A MOORE’S LAW (9-5 morning line) & #6 CATCH A WAVE (2-1). All are from Chad Brown’s barn and are poised to score in the turf marathon. Classy combo.
BELMONT AT AQUEDUCT BEST BEST: $10 Exacta box ($20)
Race 8 (4:42 p.m. ET/1:42 p.m. PT) — G3 $175K VICTORY RIDE STAKES for 3YO fillies, 6 ½-mile
Mr. Ed returns to Chalk City to cap a winning Pick 4. He likes #3 EMERY (6-5 morning line) for a high-class combo of Brad Cox and Tyler Gaffalione, who returns to the NY circuit from winning the Churchill Downs meet. Daughter of More Than Ready will be heading to Saratoga for tougher tests.
BELMONT AT AQUEDUCT BEST BET: $20 to Win & late $5 Daily Doubles with 1,5,8 in finale. ($35)
TOTAL WAGERS: $141
SATURDAY SPOT PLAYS:
Horseshoe Indianapolis R11 (G3 $200K Indiana Oaks) — #4 NEON ICON (7-2)
Horseshoe Indianapolis R12 (G3 $300 Indiana Derby) — #2 STRONGHOLD (2-1)
