Ricky’s Rockets ?: Aqueduct and Del Mar Picks for November 8, 2020

Breeders’ Cup Saturday lived up to the hype in every way possible. The stars shined brightest put on an absolute show and reminded all of us, why they are the best in the world. It was a fantastic weekend even though there were no spectators.

Also included below: my 8-race preview of Del Mar.

Best of luck!

Race 7: Allowance for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the outer turf

#5 Graetz has done well at this level in two consecutive starts after breaking her maiden on June 25. He’s one of the quickest away from the gate, so it’s possible she gets a perfect spot sitting right behind the leaders. #7 Summer At the Spa will have to come from way behind to capture her second win of her career. She did break her maiden at this distance, but she probably wants to go longer than 6 furlongs.

Race 8: $10,000 Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#8 Scarf It Down won at this level on September 25 for Orlando Noda, who had a great Saratoga meet and followed it up with a great meet at Belmont over the fall. #14 Hardcore Folklore is in search of his first win of 2020 after having a fabulous 2019 run. His best form seems to be behind him, but he’s shown the ability to be competitive and at a price, he’s one I want to include.

Race 9: Nashua Stakes (G3) for 2-year-olds going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#1 Ten for Ten used the experience he gained from his first race, and used it to full effect in his second. Albeit on a sloppy track, he took the lead from the onset, and continued to drive away from the rest of the field. He looks to be the real deal on paper, and visually through his last race. #4 Pickin’ Time broke his maiden with ease, and then was thrown in the deep end of the pool in the Saratoga Special (G2) over the summer. That race included some of the best youngsters in the country, something he clearly is not.

Race 10: Maiden Special Weight for New York-bred 2-year-old fillies going 6 furlongs on the outer turf

#4 Stella Mars didn’t do much wrong in her debut finishing third by 5 lengths. As she’s shown she has talent, it’s a little concerning she only has one work under her belt since that race. #8 Violentiam makes only her second start on the turf. She’s finished second in all of her starts, so it’s tough to tell what her best surface is down the road. She’s proven that sprinting is something that suits her running-style best.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 5,7 / 8,14 / 1,4 / 4,8 – $48

Aqueduct November 8, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Aqueduct

Ricky’s Rockets: Del Mar