Ricky’s Rockets 🚀: Belmont Park, Churchill Downs and Gulfstream Park Picks for September 30, 2021

Ricky’s Rockets 🚀 look to kick off a new week, as we close out the month of September. We started the beginning of the month at Saratoga, and now are just one week away from Keeneland! Let’s close out the month, and garner some momentum as we head into October.

Also included below: my 9-race preview of Belmont Park, 8-race preview of Churchill Downs, and 8-race preview of Gulfstream Park!

Belmont Park September 30, 2021

Race 6: Maiden Special Weight for 2-year-olds going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#1 Mo Donegal makes his first start for Todd Pletcher, as the Uncle Mo pedigree looks to shine through. He will want longer distances most likely, but this should be a good idea of what kind of talent he possesses. #3 Triple Elvis debuted at Saratoga on August 21, but didn’t do a lot of running. He should be much better in his second career start.

Race 7: Allowance for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Starfront was dominant on debut, but that was almost a year ago. She would’ve been on her way to bigger and better races, but this is a good spot for her to make her 2021 debut. #6 Before You has won two races in a row, and will look to make it three win a row. She will look to keep her winning streak going, as she makes her Belmont debut.

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

#5 Christopher has been fantastic on the turf in his last two starts. Dylan Davis was aboard two starts back when he was up at Saratoga. #11 Shiraz returns to Belmont, after a race at Kentucky Downs. He tends to run solid races, but has more seconds and thirds than wins unfortunately. I think he can turn it around, as he gets back to one of his better tracks.

Race 9: $40,000 Claiming for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the widener turf

#2 Apurate hasn’t been good this year, so this drop in class is one that she needed. Luis Saez was aboard back in January, when she finished second by just a nose at Gulfstream. #7 Alpha Babe finished second at this level last month, earning her another chance at this level. Junior Alvarado picks up the mount again.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 1,3 / 2,6 / 5,8 / 2,7 – $48

50¢ Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 1,2,3,8 / 2,6,7 / 1,5,10,11 / 2,7 – $48

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Ricky’s Rockets: Belmont Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Churchill Downs

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park