Churchill Downs Best Bets for Saturday, June 1

Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Best Bets

CHURCHILL DOWNS BEST BETS: Win one, lose sum. Last week at Churchill Downs I chalked a winner ($38.90) and an exacta ($77.95) in Race 9 for a return of $116.85 on plays of $138 (after scratches) for a net loss of $21.15. Mr. Ed can do better. Looking for winners? You will find my best Churchill selections below.

NEXT WEEK AT SARATOGA: With Belmont Park closed due to renovations until 2026, its racing dates have been re-allocated to Aqueduct and Saratoga. Beginning next Thursday, the Spa will host the four-day Belmont Racing Festival (June 6-9), featuring quality racing cards each day, highlighted by the 156th running of the $2 million Belmont Stakes next Saturday.

MR. ED’S EVEN DOZEN EYE BELMONT STAKES: As many as 12 thoroughbreds are expected to sign up in the 1 1/4-mile (cut back from traditional 1 ½-mile due to track configuration), including Kentucky Derby winner Mystic Dan and Preakness victor Seize the Grey. Others expected to enter: Honor Marie, Antiquarian, Mindframe, Protective, Dornoch, Sierra Leone, Thorpedo Anna, Tuscan Gold, Resilience and The Wine Steward. Post positions will be drawn on Monday.

SATURDAY AT CHURCHILL DOWNS: Much to my surprise Saturday’s 11-race card, featuring an all-stakes Pick 6, is unusually strong. With Aqueduct closed, most of the top trainers and jockeys are scheduled to compete. Make note: Real chance of inclement weather. First post 12:45 p.m. ET /9:45 a.m. PT.

MR. ED’S TOP SELECTIONS SATURDAY AT CHURCHILL DOWNS

Race 6 (3:18 p.m. ET/12:18 p.m. PT) — G3 $275K ARLINGTON STAKES at 11/16-mile on turf for 4YOs & up
Mr. Ed is betting that #6 CHASING THE CROWN (7-2 morning line) will prevail in this grass test. Trained by Mike Maker, ultra-consistent, well-bred guy is perfect 3-for-3 over Churchill weeds and has finished in the money in 10 of 12 lifetime races. Joel Rosario, who has won on him before, returns to the saddle. Horse for the course.
CHURCHILL DOWNS BEST BETS: $10 to Win and $5 Exacta box of 1,2,6. ($40)

Race 7 (3:51 p.m. ET /12:51 p.m. PT) — G3 $275K ARISTIDES STAKES at 6 furlongs for 4YOs & up
Having won 10 of 15 and earned $1.5 million, #3 SKELLY (4-5 morning line) towers above the field. Steve Asmussen sends out 5YO gelding to score the hat trick with regular rider Ricardo Santana aboard. Skelly is one speedy guy.
MR. ED’S BEST BET OF DAY: $20 to Win. ($20)

Race 8 (4:23 p.m. ET/1:23 p.m. PT) — G3 $275K SHAWNEE STAKES at 11/16-mile for fillies and mares 4YOs & up
Mr. Ed likes up-and-comer #7 SCYLLA (5-2), who, in her five outings, has yet to finish out of the money (5-3-1-1). When last seen a month ago he scored by seven lengths vs. high-class allowance company. HOF trainer Mott sticks with HOF rider Castellano.
CHURCHILL DOWNS BEST BET: $10 to Win and $5 Exacta box of 3,6,7. ($40)

Race 9 (4:55 p.m. ET/1:55 p.m. PT) — G3 $275K REGRET STAKES at 11/8-mile for 3YO fillies on turf
I’m betting on a trio: #1 WAY TO BE MARIE (3-1 morning line) for the Atras-Geroux team; #4 DANCING IN DIXIE (7-2) for Casse-J.L. Ortiz duo, and #6 BUCHU (5-2) for Bauer and Garcia (5-2). Three fillies combine for the winning ticket.
CHURCHILL DOWNS BEST BET: $5 Exacta box of 1,4,6. ($30)

Race 10 (5:27 p.m. ET/2:27 p.m. PT) — G3 $275K BLAME STAKES at 11/8-mile for 4YOs & up
Mr. Ed likes #11 TRADEMARK (12-1 morning line) for excellent trainer Vickie Oliver and jockey Matt Garcia. Guy’s another horse for course having won 4 of 7 over the Churchill oval. He drops in class and has posted a string of excellent works.
CHURCHILL DOWNS BEST LONGSHOT: $10 Win & Place and $5 Daily Doubles of 2,3,11 with 2,3 in Race 11. ($50)

Race 11 (5:58 p.m. ET/2:58 p.m. PT) — $275K AUDUBON STAKES at 11/8-mile for 3YOs on turf
In the finale, Mr. Ed likes a pair: #2 CUGINO (7-2 morning line), trained by Shug McGaughey, ridden by Flavien Prat; and import #3 CAMEO PERFORMANCE (6-1) for Brendan Walsh, ridden by Tyler Gaffalione.
CHURCHILL DOWNS BEST BETS: $5 Exacta box of 2,3 and to complete the Daily Doubles. ($10)

TOTAL WAGERS: $190