Ricky’s Rockets ?: Del Mar, Gulfstream Park and Saratoga Picks for August 23, 2020

Ricky’s Rockets absolutely rolled at Del Mar yesterday hitting the early Pick 5 for 50¢ and $3 and the early Pick 4 for 50¢ and $1 to close a fantastic Saturday of racing. The Diana Stakes (G1) is back and this field is absolutely loaded. An argument can be made for every filly/mare in the field. These six talented runners will be going 9 furlongs on the inner turf while attempting to add a G1 win to their resumes.

Also included below: my 11-race preview of Del Mar and 10-race preview of Gulfstream Park.

Best of luck!

Race 6: $40,000 Maiden Claiming for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 5 1/2 furlongs on the outer turf

#1 Towering Glaze will compete in for a tag for the first time. This race fits her perfectly and should be considered one of the heavy hitters in this spot. #5 Silent Empress was up against it in her debut trying to close into a slow pace. It’s fair to assume she learned something from her debut and will do better this time around as Christophe Clement and Joel Rosario team up winning at 23% in the last 363 days. #6 Mia Bea Star gets back to the turf for David Donk. She hasn’t been impressive but I’ve learned to trust Donk on the turf. 

Race 7: $62,500 Allowance Optional Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

This is a massive step up in class for #1 Big Engine, but the Linda Rice trainee has been in great form as of late and rides for a barn winning at 23% at the meet. Will she be up to the ask and make it two in a row? #6 Pete’s Play Call was trained away from Mike Maker last time out. John Toscano must think the 7-year-old has improved off of that last effort as he moves him up in class significantly off of his win last time out. #7 Mount Travers, the other Rice trainee, hasn’t won since 2018 but has been competitive at this level in the past.

Race 8: Diana Stakes (G1) for fillies and mares 4-year-olds and upward going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the inner turf

#4 Starship Jubilee has certainly enjoyed running as a 7-year-old mare in 2020, winning all 4 of her starts. She won the Ballston Spa Stakes (G2) and beat Call Me Love and Sistercharlie in the process. #5 Sistercharlie hasn’t been the same in her last two starts. She’s still an incredible mare but the question must be asked: is she starting to trend downward? I’m willing to take her at 5/2 in a bounce-back spot in her second start of 2020.

Race 9: $40,000 Maiden Claiming for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the outer turf

#2 Ringgood returns to the track in 2020 on the turf in for a tag. David Donk on the turf is a great angle. Donk is winning at 18% in the last 365 days when his runners go from dirt to turf and Jose Ortiz aboard doesn’t hurt his chances either. #3 Allied Invasion made his debut at this level on August 1. The runner-up, No Salt, will be the favorite at this level earlier in the day as well. #8 Z’finale makes his first start for Jimmy Bond who will try him on the turf. Bond and Tyler Gaffalione have teamed up to win at 40% in the last 365 days.

THE TICKET

$1 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 1,5,6 / 1,6,7 / 4,5 / 2,3,8 – $54

Saratoga August 23, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Saratoga

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Del Mar