Ricky’s Rockets ?: Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and Los Alamitos Picks for December 12, 2020

Ricky’s Rockets? is back and better than ever as we look ahead to stakes action from around the country on Saturday afternoon. Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park, and Los Alamitos all have stakes races that will certainly provide plenty of excitement! 

Also included below: my 11-race preview of Gulfstream Park and 9-race preview of Los Alamitos.

Best of luck!

Race 6: $25,000 Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#1 Wild Banker has tried to come home in every race wide, or overcoming obstacles out of the gate. I’m not sure how talented he is, but drawing the rail might not be the worst thing for him. He could be a nice price at post time. #8 Elusive Ruler is looking for his first dirt victory after a second place finish on the grass. This move is somewhat of a mystery since his most recent efforts have come on the turf. 

Race 7: Allowance for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#9 Will Sing For Wine won his only race going 8 furlongs on the dirt. That’s not the only reason he hasn’t won however as he faced quality runners like Danny California, who’s running in the Alex M. Robb Stakes later on. This field is a little easier than what he faced over the summer. #10 Vintage Hollywood is one of the few runners that has shown the ability to get to the lead if needed. That can be a major factor with a lack of early speed signed on for this race.

Race 8: Alex M. Robb Stakes for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt

#4 Mr. Buff seems to know when he’s facing state-bred stakes competition. In the Empire Classic against some of the same runners, he won by over three lengths. #6 Bankit isn’t as strong as Mr. Buff, but he’s second best on paper. He will have to improve to beat Mr. Buff here. 

Race 9: $25,000 Maiden Claiming for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#2 Unbridled John looked good early on in his last race, but he had to battle the entire way to hold on for second. He disappointed as a heavy favorite, but it was encouraging that he was able to hold on for second. #7 Z’finale drops from the $40,000 level to the $25,000 level. This is his first dirt start since his debut when he ran against Maiden Special Weight competition at Belmont in June.

THE TICKET

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

Aqueduct December 12, 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 product below:

Ricky’s Rockets: Aqueduct

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Los Alamitos