Ricky’s Rockets ?: Gulfstream Park and Los Alamitos Picks for December 17, 2020

Ricky’s Rockets? has been on a tear lately as we’ve been full force throughout the country. We were able to cash in a couple of Pick 4’s on Sunday and will look to use that momentum into the new week. No better time to get in the holiday spirit than cashing some tickets!

Also included below: my 8-race preview of Los Alamitos.

Best of luck!

Race 7: Maiden Special Weight for 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Arham doesn’t have any experience, but he does get Luis Saez to help guide him to victory first time out. Todd Pletcher has come to Florida with conviction finishing in the money in 14/24 starts at the meet. #5 Mutakaamil makes his first start since June when he was running in New York. Hopefully the long layoff helps as he looks to make his return to the track a winning one.

Race 8: $35,000-$25,000 Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 5 furlongs on the turf

The better runners in this field look like they are all dropping in class, or shipping in from tracks where the runners are better. In the case of #3 Pagliacci, he’s been facing runners that would run away from this field. He finished third in his only race going 5 furlongs on the turf. #5 Bad Beat Brian didn’t look comfortable running over a heavy yielding turf course last time out at the $50,000 level. This is a drop in class against softer competition on a firm turf course for Mike Maker.

Race 9: $20,000 Starter Optional Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/2 miles (12 furlongs) on the turf

This was one of the tougher races to sort through. I ultimately landed on the two runners coming out of the Richard Henry Lee stakes over the summer between #2 Prince of Arabia and #7 Morning Stride. These two look best on paper, but identifying a long shot could be the way to go as well. 

Race 10: $6,250 Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#3 Lets Play Hardball won his last race on the dirt, although it came on a sloppy track. I’m not sure why Mike Maker wanted to get him back on the turf after the race, considering how dominant he was on November 14. #11 Saint Larned only has one win this year, but drawing toward the outside should really help him. He has enough speed get position, but will allow Luca Panici to observe what’s going on towards his inside. If he is forced to go wide, he has absolutely no chance.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 2,5 / 3,5/ 2,7 / 3,11 – $40

Gulfstream Park December 17, 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: Gulfstream Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Los Alamitos