Ricky’s Rockets ?: Saratoga & Monmouth Park Picks for July 18, 2020

After a tough opening day at Saratoga, we bounced back with multiple top-choice winners at Gulfstream Park and the Late Pick 4 to end the day strong! At Saratoga, we swept the back half of the card bringing home a piece of the Empire 6, late Pick 5 and the late Pick 4. Those three tickets alone cost $205.20 and returned $825.50 for a profit of $620.30!!!

The Saratoga stakes action continues with the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) and one of my favorites, the National Racing Museum of Racing Hall of Fame (G2). The excitement never stops at the Spa.

Best of luck!

Race 8: $25k Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt

#1 Hoffenheim has been struggling to find his best form as of late, but the class drop makes him competitive. #3 Creative Style won at a slightly higher level last time out at Belmont Park and should be the post-time favorite. #4 Singapore Trader has shown speed out of the gate and makes his first start for new trainer Horacio DePaz, who had a brilliant Belmont spring meet. #6 Musical Heart drops from the $40k claiming level and gets back onto dirt while keeping Jose Ortiz in the saddle. #9 Hammerin Aamer ran his best effort in a while on June 13 at Laurel Park. It will be interesting to see if Javier Castellano positions him close up early on, which is how he won that last race.

Race 9: $80k Allowance Optional Claiming for 4-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the inner turf

#2 Ramsey Solution takes another slight step up after winning by multiple lengths last time out at Churchill Downs. #6 Set Piece closed ferociously in his lone United States start. He will need a hot pace early. #7 Digital Age hasn’t been in the winner’s circle since 2019, though that came in the American Turf Stakes (G2). last May. Like Set Piece he will hope for a quick pace up front to run into in the final stages of the race.

Race 10: Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) for 3-year-old fillies going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt

This is a two-horse race on paper between #1 Tonalist’s Shape and #6 Paris Lights. Other than the Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2), Tonalist’s Shape has been flawless this year. Irad Ortiz, Jr., is back aboard and has twice ridden her when she won by multiple lengths. Paris Lights has moved forward in every start and looks to be getting better.

Race 11: Maiden Special Weight for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#2 American Piper debuts for Rick Buckley, who trains mostly at Delaware Park. Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard for a small barn is an angle that makes him attractive. #7 Papa Luke drastically improved in his second start in his debut for Tony Dutrow. His second start in Dutrow’s barn could see him in the winners’ circle. #4 Midnight Whiskey looked fantastic on the front end in the slop last time out. If he can take another step forward, he will be tough to beat. #10 Top of the Mint has had his share of chances to win. He will need his best effort to win in his seventh start.

THE TICKET

50¢ PICK 4 (Races 8-11) 1,3,4,6,9 / 2,6,7 / 1,6 / 2,4,7,10 – $60

Saturday, July 18, 2020

For my full card plays, featuring race-by-race analysis, my top four picks for each race, and full-card multi-race wagers, check out my new product below: 

Ricky’s Rockets: Saratoga

Ricky’s Rockets: Monmouth Park