Parx Picks for Saturday, September 20:
HORSING AROUND: Every dog has his day. Today’s howler is the mostly second-class yet super-challenging program at PARX racing outside Philadelphia. After a steady summer diet of graded stakes at Saratoga adn turf gems at Kentucky Downs,and with keeneland’s Fall meet just around the corner,today’s the day top-quality 3YOs remain at home.But that doesn’t mean picking winners gets any easier – and Mr. Ed always plays the hand he’s dealt. With nearly $4 million in purse money spread across 15 dirt-only races, highlighted by the $1M Pennsylvania Derby, there are ample opportunities to cash a ticket – and isn’t that what sports gambling is all about! The forecast calls for lots of sunshine. Mr. Ed spent several hours handicapping today’s dressed-up PARX card. With first post at 11:05 a.m. ET/8:05 a.m. PT, here are his exclusive VSiN picks.
Mr. Ed’s Picks at Parx for Saturday (9/20)
Race 3 (12:05 p.m. ET/9:05 a.m. PT) – $100K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YO fillies going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed is counting on trainer/TV analyst Tom Amoss to transport his recent winning ways to philadelphia with second-time starter #4 CELEBRITY QUEST (9-5 morning line).Jockey switch to Tyler Gaffalione adds to the appeal. A star is born.
PARX SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 4 (12:33 p.m.ET/9:33 a.m. PT) – $100K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going a mile and 70 yards
My choice is #10 PACHELBEL (3-1 morning line) for sneaky-good local trainer Ernesto padilla-Preciado, who retains regular rider Jorge Vargas, Jr. to push lifetime earnings above the $500,000 mark. Mare goes for 11th win at PARX.
PARX SELECTION: $10 to Win & $5 Daily Doubles with 5,8,10. ($25)
Race 5 (1:01 p.m. ET/10:01 a.m. PT) – $100K OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 1 1/16-mile
I like three wise guys for the money: #8 SPEIGHTSTER RED (8-1 morning line) for hot-shot local conditioner Michael Pino with Paco Lopez up; #10 M