Race predictions for Wednesday, 30th April at Churchill Downs:

Turning the Tables at Churchill Downs on Hump Day: Get ready for a wild ride at Churchill Downs as Derby Week Eve kicks off on Wednesday, April 30! The energy's building for the upcoming Triple Crown, and the crowd's already buzzing about morning works after more than a thousand racing enthusiasts descended on the track on Monday.

While the old man, Mr. Ed, won't be gracing the grounds this year, he'll still be sharing his expert picks for the entire Derby card all the way through Saturday. And fear not, even with a forecast calling for rain through Saturday afternoon, this midweek program's a crackerjacker! First post time is 1:10 p.m. ET/4:10 p.m. PT, so let's dive in.

Mr. Ed's Derby Week Eve Picks at Churchill Downs:

Race 3 (1:45 p.m. ET/10:45 a.m. PT) - $48K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 3YOs going 1 1/16-mile

Mr. Ed's eye's on three: #3 PAVED IN GOLD (5-2 morning line) gets a break in class while maintaining Colby Hernandez in the saddle; #5 OLD TRACE (7-2), stretching out with Jose Ortiz piloting and #8 ONE MOR STORY (4-1) with Joel Rosario staying on board while sliding down in class.

CHURCHILL BET: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)

Race 4 (2:15 p.m. ET/11:15 a.m. PT) - $134K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 5 furlongs on the turf

I'm putting my money on #11 URBAN LEGEND (7-2 morning line) for veteran trainer Jose D'Angelo, giving Irad Ortiz Jr. his third shot at scoring. This well-heeled gelding into Mischief drops after zinging a bullet work. According to the old man, it's a smart move.

CHURCHILL BET: $20 to Win. ($20)

Race 5 (2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT) - $57K CLAIMING for 3YOs & up going 6 furlongs

Mr. Ed's pick is #7 FOCUSYN (7-2) for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., who's hired Irad Ortiz Jr. after a string of swifter works and a lower class. flourishes on swift layouts.

CHURCHILL BET: $10 to Win. ($10)

Race 7 (3:47 p.m. ET/12:47 p.m. PT) - $1 PICK 4R7: 1,4,7,9R8: 1R9: 1,6,11R10: 1,4,7 ($36)

Race 7 (3:47 p.m. ET/12:47 p.m. PT) - $127K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going a mile on the turf

Mr. Ed's hoping this foursome sings: His main wager's on favorite #4 CLASSIC Q (3-1 morning line) for HOF trainer Mark Casse with top jock Jose Ortiz stretching back out for a better post; coupling her with long shot #1 LIKELY PERSPECTIVE (20-1), who'll wear blinkers for superior trainer Al Stall Jr.; # EXPATRIATE (9-2) with Flavien Prat and #9 HOPE MISSION (7-2) for powerful combo of Brendan Walsh and Irad Ortiz Jr.

CHURCHILL BET: $5 Exacta Box. ($40)

Race 8 (4:19 p.m. ET/1:19 p.m. PT) - $200K ISAAC MURPHY MARATHON for 4YOs & up going 1 1/2-mile

Mr. Ed's BEST BET OF THE DAY is #1 HONOR MARIE (7-2 morning line), his pick to win last year's Kentucky Derby. Trained by up-and-comer Whit Beckman, this is the colt's second race as a 4-year-old. Young rider Ben Curtis climbs back aboard. The old man's singing its praises.

CHURCHILL BET: $20 to Win. ($20)

Race 9 (4:52 p.m. ET/1:52 p.m. PT) - $300K WILLIAM WALKER STAKES for 3YOs going 51⁄2 furlongs on the turf

Mr. Ed's backing #6 MAKEIT TO CHEYENNE (4-1 morning line) for journeyman conditioner Joe Orseno, who adds the lightly raced gelding after a couple of impressive victories. Look for the sprinter to cross the line first. Irad Ortiz Jr.'s back in the saddle.

CHURCHILL BET: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)

TOTAL WAGERS: $176

Even if you can't make it to Churchill Downs on Thurby, don't despair! Count on the old man, Mr. Ed, right here at VSiN.com with his picks.

Fun Fact: While modern-day Churchill Downs racetrack capacity can accommodate around 160,000 fans, derivative-related activities were once attended exclusively by locals. Thurby was born in the early 21st century, as Friday crowds started growing and eventually matching Saturday's during Derby Week. Today, it's a celebration of community and horse racing that locals and visitors alike look forward to.

For Race 3 at Churchill Downs on Thursday, Mr. Ed suggests an Exacta Box with #3 Paved in Gold, #5 Old Trace, and #8 One Mor Story.
In Race 4, Mr. Ed advises placing a $20 bet on #11 Urban Legend for trainer Jose D'Angelo in the $134K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING race.
For Race 5, Mr. Ed's pick is #7 Focusyn, and he suggests a $10 bet on this horse in the $57K CLAIMING race.
In the $1 PICK 4 of Race 7, Mr. Ed's bet includes #4 Classic Q, #1 Likely Perspective, # EXPATRIATE, #9 Hope Mission, and #6 MakeIt To Cheyenne.
Mr. Ed's Best Bet of the day is #1 Honor Marie in Race 8, the $200K ISAAC MURPHY MARATHON, with a recommended $20 bet to win.