Ricky’s Rockets ?: Belmont Park and Churchill Downs Picks for September 20, 2020

After cashing the late Pick 4, Pick 5 and Pick 6 at Churchill Downs, we end the weekend at Belmont Park with an action-packed 10-race card on Sunday afternoon. Overall, it’s great to see racing back at the Big Sandy, and what an opening week it’s been!

Also included below: my 10-race preview of Churchill Downs!

Best of luck!

Race 7: Maiden Special Weight for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the inner turf

#5 Yes to Mischief will make her first start on the turf after her last race was taken off due to weather. She hasn’t run all that well on the dirt, but I want to see what she does on the grass. #10 Bastet will try 6 furlongs for the first time after going 5 1/2 furlongs on August 26 at Saratoga. Her best performance came at Belmont Park in her second career start on July 4.

Race 8: Allowance for 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the widener turf

#2 French Reef absolutely dominated as she made a mockery of the field in his 2020 debut. He clearly enjoyed the turf sprint and deserves to be the favorite in this race. #4 Flya has been in form as of late since he made the switch to turf. The competition isn’t the same at Laurel, but no one can argue with 2 wins, both by over 3 lengths.

Race 9: $62,500 Allowance Optional Claiming for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the inner turf

#8 Kept True will be doing something that she’s never done before. She’s run against New York-bred competition on the dirt at the stakes level, so I’m hoping at a price, she shocks the tote board. #9 Olendon has had a problem getting the job done here in the United States. She’s yet to win a race here but her talent jumps off the screen when watching her run and because of that I’m willing to give her one more chance.

Race 10: $16,000 Claiming for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Happy Sophia really ran a great race at this level last time out. She almost got the job done going gate-to-wire but was caught at the wire. If she can repeat her last race, she may be on the front end. #4 Wicked Title wasn’t given the best trip last time out by Jose Lezcano. She was close to making a bid but was given no place to go and as a result, never got out in the open to make a final run.

THE TICKET

$10 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 5,10 / 2 / 9 / 2,4 – $40

Belmont Park September 20, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Belmont Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Churchill Downs