Ricky’s Rockets ?: Aqueduct and Santa Anita Picks for February 15, 2020

Ricky’s Rockets ? on a Monday? The holiday weekend gives us an opportunity to get involved at Aqueduct and Santa Anita on Presidents’ Day! This is the second day in a row cashing big tickets (Pick 5 $1,108) at Santa Anita! Let’s make it three in a row and close out the long weekend. Both tracks have competitive stakes races, and great opportunities to make some money!

Also included below: my 8-race preview of Aqueduct and 8-race preview of Santa Anita.

Best of luck!

Aqueduct February 15, 2020

Race 5: Maiden Special Weight for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#3 La Victoria was purchased for $800,000 back in 2018 for Whisper Hill Farm and Three Chimneys Farm. It’s a little shocking she didn’t come down to Florida to break her maiden, so it’s tough to know if she is the real deal or not. Lucky enough for her, this doesn’t look like too challenging of a field. #4 Hip Number One is probably the quickest in this race. She looks to pose the best threat on paper, if La Victoria can’t run a lick. I don’t believe that will be the case but guessing how first time starters will run is always tricky.

Race 6: Allowance for New York-bred 4-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#1 Bustin Timberlake has finished second in two straight starts at this level, so taking her again at a short price could be a bad way to go. The issue with playing against him is the fact his speed figures are much better than the rest. He’s a very interesting runner to bet for or against. #8 Notorious Flirt gets back to going 6 furlongs where he ran some of his better races. His biggest issue is that he likes to come from way back to win. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a long shot win in this spot.

Race 7: Hollie Hughes Stakes for New York-bred 4-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#1 Tribecca has to be on the lead to win, but even when he’s done that as of late, he’s fallen short. Kendrick Carmouche leaves the 7-year-old to get aboard #3 Our Last Buck who is in the best form of his career. The other runner who I’m keeping an eye on is #5 Amundson who hasn’t been seen since last year at Saratoga. This is a race where taking everyone in the field may be the best play.

Race 8: $25,000 Claiming for 4-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#1 Therisastormbrewin lost some of his form since coming from Finger Lakes to Aqueduct. He’s yet to finish in the money in any of his races over this track as well. Like some of the other races on the card, if he gets the lead, he can easily go gate-to-wire. #8 Big Boy Mo looks to be the second best on paper if the morning-line favorite doesn’t run well. There isn’t much early speed in this race, so being as close to the lead as possible is the perfect trip. Benjamin Hernandez has been aboard before and knows how to give him the perfect trip.

THE TICKET

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

50¢ Pick 4 (5-8) 2,3,4 / 1,8 / 1,2,4,5 / 1,6,8 – $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: Aqueduct

Ricky’s Rockets: Santa Anita