Ricky’s Rockets ?: Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and Los Alamitos Picks for December 19, 2020

Ricky’s Rockets? looks to strike again on Saturday afternoon as the action continues from Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and Los Alamitos. There are only a few opportunities to cash in before the year ends! 

Also included below: my 11-race preview of Gulfstream Park and 10-race preview of Los Alamitos.

Best of luck!

Race 7: $20,000 Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#5 Shamrocked has run at this level in the past going 6 furlongs to be exact. He faced what is presumed to be the favorite in this race #7 Vineyard Sound as well. He took the race to Vineyard Sound but just couldn’t hold on down the stretch. Vineyard Sound is on a three race win streak and has looked spectacular since Rob Atras took over. Atras is winning at 12% at the meet and has his runner trending int he right direction. It should be a battle between these two down the stretch.

Race 8: Allowance for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#4 Lune Lake ships from Finger Lakes to Aqueduct as she looks for her 6th win this year. Her previous efforts at Aqueduct haven’t been strong, but she’s in the best form of her life as she seeks redemption. #11 Eloquent Speaker has shown speed at this level in her last two starts but has run similar races finishing third in both of those. She draws towards the outside in this start, which should help her early on as she looks for room toward the inside part of the track. 

Race 9: Queens County Stakes for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt

#4 Backsideofthemoon has earned his chance to get back to stakes competition after winning his last race. He’s run against stakes competition in the past, but hasn’t won a race at this level since the Jazil Stakes back in 2018. #5 Musical Heart finished right behind Backsideofthemoon when they faced off in November. I wanted to go in another direction, but none of the runners looked nearly as strong on paper. 

Race 10: $25,000 Claiming for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 7 furlongs on the dirt

#5 Just Right was claimed out of a race with identical conditions last time out when he was running in great form. I’m hoping he stays consistent here at repeats that performance as he closed well and overtook the rest of the field. #11 The Caretaker comes out of the same race, but he didn’t get a quality trip. Jose Lezcano is one of the best riders at the meet, but simply didn’t give him a chance to win. 

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 5,7 / 4,11 / 4,5 / 5,11 – $48

Aqueduct December 19, 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