Ricky’s Rockets 🚀: Belmont Park, Churchill Downs and Oaklawn Park Picks for April 24, 2021

#RickysRockets🚀 has taken advantage of the first two cards at Belmont Park this year! We are officially a week away from the Kentucky Derby, and six days away from the Kentucky Oaks. Saturday also marks the beginning of the Churchill Downs meet as well, with a special 6:00 PM ET post time! The action is starting to ramp up quickly, and it’s time to build those bankrolls in anticipation for one of the biggest weekends of the year.

Also included below: my 9-race preview of Belmont Park, 10-race preview of Churchill Downs, 11-race preview of Oaklawn Park!

Best of luck!

Belmont Park April 24, 2021

Race 6: Maiden Special Weight for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the widener turf

#8 Shaftesbury has to get better than what his performances showed at Gulfstream Park. The problem for him is the purchase price. The connections thought they may have had something with him, but I’m afraid that simply may not be the case. #9 Mandatory is 0/5 in his career but does possess some speed which makes him attractive in this spot.

Race 7: $100,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for 4-year-olds and upward going 7 furlongs on the dirt

#1 Looking At Bikinis needs to get back to the winners’ circle. He won’t much of a better option than this race, where he comes into this one as the morning-line favorite. #4 Souper Stonehedge has been extremely consistent as of late, including a decent running in the Carter Handicap (G1). This distance has been challenging for him in the past, even though he belongs here.

Race 8: Elusive Quality Stakes for 4-year-olds and upward going 7 furlongs on the widener turf

#2 Proven Strategies has that breathtaking speed that makes every bettor want a piece of him. He always has the lead, and has proven he can go the whole way. He’s never gone this distance before, but the cut-back should help him immensely. #3 Casa Creed is my top choice because I loved his race in the Frank Kilroe Mile (G1) last month. He ran out of room in that race, but was one of the more visually impressive runners. Junior Alvarado was aboard when he finished second in the Tropical Turf Stakes (G3) in January at Gulfstream Park.

Race 9: $40,000 Maiden Claiming for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the inner turf

#5 Drink a Toast is also a first time starter looking to win on debut. His pedigree suggests he should be fast out of the gate, which is perfect for this distance. #13 Me n’ Sap is 0/9 in his career, but in his one start on the turf, he was a close third. He should be the favorite having drawn into this race.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 8,9 / 1,4 / 2,3 / 5,13 – $48

50¢ Pick 4 (6-9) 4,7,8,9 / 1,4 / 2,3,4 / 5,10,13 – $36

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: Belmont Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Churchill Downs

Ricky’s Rockets: Oaklawn Park