Churchill Downs Best Bets for Saturday, June 22

Mr. Ed’s Churchill Downs Best Bets

EENI MEENY MINY, NO UNCLE MOE: With Belmont, Saratoga, Santa Anita and Del Mar all dark — what’s a handicapper in search of quality racing to do? Thistledown has the Ohio Derby, which on a good day is slightly better than a $50K allowance test anywhere else. Racing cards at Delaware, Laurel, Gulfstream and Aqueduct are no better (thank goodness Saratoga opens in a few weeks). Which leaves me with no other choice than a lackluster 11-race card at Churchill Downs, where my recent results, other than Derby day, have been dismal. The dog days of summer have truly arrived here in the East. Unfortunately, everybody’s been getting hot, except Mr. Ed — until today! Let’s look at some Churchill Downs best bets!

Race 2 (1:14 p.m. ET/10:14 a.m. PT) — $100K ALLOWANCE/CLAIMING for fillies & mares, 3YOs & up at a mile on the turf
Mr. Ed likes #6 SISTER LOU ANN (3-1 morning line), for the deep Saffie Joseph barn. This mare, on the shelf since March, sports a pair of excellent works prepping for return. The race sets up for her stalking style. Tyler Gaffalione is on board for first time.
CHURCHILL DOWNS BEST BET: $10 to Win. ($10)

Race 5 (2:46 p.m. ET/11:46 a.m. PT) — $92K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs, 5 ½ furlongs
I like first-timer #7 BOSTONTONIAN (5-2 morning line) for tip-top sprint trainer Wesley Ward. Works indicate the gelded son of Bernardini is locked and loaded for a tea party. Walter Rodriguez climbs aboard.
CHURCHILL DOWNS BEST BET: $10 to Win. ($10)

Races 7 (3:51 p.m. ET/12:51 p.m. PT) — G3 $250K CHICAGO STAKES, fillies & mares, 4YOs & up at 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes either #1 SOCIETY (4-5 morning line) for the Asmussen-Gaffalione duo or #3 VAHVA (1-1) for the DeVaux-Irad Ortiz combo to capture the first leg of $1 Pick 3. Strictly a two-horse race.
CHURCHILL DOWNS BEST BET: $1 Pick 3 of 1,3 with 5,6,7 with 4,7,8,10. ($24)

Race 8 (4:23 p.m. ET/1:23 p.m. PT) —$120K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for fillies & mares, 3YOs & up, 1 1/16-mile
Mr. Ed likes one of three to capture Leg 2 of the Pick 3: #5 SAVE TIME (7-2 morning line); #6 GENETICS (3-1) and #7 QUEEN OF PARIS (4-1).
CHURCHILL DOWNS BEST BET: $5 EXACTA BOX OF 5,6,7. ($30)

Race 9 (4:55 p.m. ET/1:55 p.m. PT) — $127K ALLOWANCE/CLAIMING for fillies & mares, 6 ½ furlongs
I’m betting one of four will complete the Pick 3: #4 MINK’S PALACE (3-1 morning line); # 7 HERE U COME AGAIN (5-2); #8 SHE CALLED (7-2) or #10 GEORGE’S HONEY (12-1).
CHURCHILL DOWNS BEST BETS: $10 to win on #4; $5 Exacta box of 4/7,8,10. ($40)

Race 10 (5:27 p.m. ET/2:27 p.m. PT) — $141K ALLOWANCE/CLAIMING, 3YOs & up, 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes #7 CHAMPLIN (3-1 morning line) for high-percentage trainer Greg Foley and journeyman jockey Mitch Murrill. The speedy gelding knows how to break, lead and score (3 of 4 lifetime starts with Murrill aboard).
MR. ED’S BEST BET OF DAY: $20 to Win and $5 Daily Doubles with 8,9,11 in Race 11. ($35)

TOTAL WAGERS: $149

SPOT PLAYS:
Belmont at the Big A R10 ($150K Wild Applause Stakes): #7 GRAYOSH (9-2)
Thistledown R13 ($500K Ohio Derby): #9 BATTEN DOWN (8-1)