Mr. Ed’s Best Bets, Friday, October 20

TRACKING MR. ED: After picking a winner, an exacta and a daily double last Saturday, I am just beginning to hit my winning stride. With only four more days — today, tomorrow, next Friday and Saturday — remaining to cash more tickets at Keeneland, Mr. Ed is redoubling his efforts in search of profitable plays. Ms. Ed, noting my 3-2 (against the spread) NFL record, suggested I pick more games and fewer horses. Not gonna happen. However, feel free to check out my football pick of the week at the end of Saturday’s column.

THINNING THE HERD: With the vast majority of quality horses now committed to being at Santa Anita for the 2023 Breeders’ Cup just two weeks hence, it’s becoming difficult to find top-tier runners and top-shelf stakes. Today’s Keeneland card is a perfect example — a 10-Race program chock-full of cheap claimers, maidens and low-class allowance contests. Nary a graded race in sight. So, with an eye toward the Breeders’ Cup two-day, 14-race extravaganza ahead, Mr. Ed tackles today’s Keeneland card with dreams of better races to come. Here are my selections:

Races 1 & 2 (1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT)

I like a $5 EARLY DAILY DOUBLE to get off on the right foot.

Race 1: 3, 4, 7

Race 2: 3, 6 (Wager: $30)

Race 4 (2:36 p.m. ET/11:36 a.m. PT)

Mr. Ed likes #2 GOODASIWONSWAS (2-1 morning line)

The first-time gelding appears headed in the right direction after breaking his maiden, followed by a narrow close-up Show at Churchill three weeks ago. Trainer Michael Warpool adds Lasix while retaining Chase Miller to ride. Prepared to mix it up on the front end. Wager: $10 on Win. ($10)

Race 6 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT)

I like #7 BEAR OAK (2-1 morning line) to live up to his billing as a favorite. Trainer Norm Casse is on a roll, and the return of Ricardo Santana points to a ninth win.  The six-year-old gelded son of Giant Oak cuts back to nine furlongs versus a lackluster field. Bear with Mr. Ed. Wager $20 to win. ($20)

Race 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT)

Mr. Ed likes trio: #2 REDEFINED (7-2 morning line), the expensive daughter of More Than Ready; consistent #3 SOL HOPE (6-1) back on grass, and #10 SHOOTOUTTHELIGHTS (9-5), for turf speed specialist Wesley Ward with Johnny Velasquez. Wager: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)

Race 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT)

Mr. Ed’s BEST BET OF DAY is #8 RAGING SEA (6-5 morning line). The talented offspring of super sire Curlin returns after two solid efforts at Saratoga. The three-year-old filly has the look of a future star. Flavien Prat returns to saddle for tip-top Chad Brown. All the rage. Wager: $30 to Win. ($30)

Race 9 & 10 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT)

I like $5 LATE DAILY DOUBLE to close out the 10-race card.

Race 9: 7,10

Race 10: 4, 11 (Wager $20)

TOTAL WAGERS: $140

ON TAP SATURDAY AT KEENELAND: As compared with today, one of the best cards of the three-week meet. Only one stakes, but several very playable races.