Ricky’s Rockets ?: Aqueduct, Churchill Downs, and Del Mar Picks for November 21, 2020

Ricky’s Rockets? rolls on as we hit the biggest day of the week! We were just one race away from sweeping the card at Churchill Downs and Del Mar yesterday. There’s so much to be excited for on Saturday afternoon with some stakes action across the country. Admittedly, it’s a little slow in the sport, but there’s plenty of money to be made!

Also included below: my 10-race preview of Churchill Downs and 9-race preview of Del Mar.

Best of luck!

Race 7: $30,000 Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the outer turf

#9 Traffic Pattern finished third by 2 1/4 lengths in his last start last time out going 8 furlongs on the turf at the $40,000 level. It’s fair to assume the $30,000 level is where he should be based on that effort. #10 Silver Token faces winners for the first time after breaking his maiden in his 9th career start. It looks like the connections have figured out he wants to go longer on the turf.

Race 8: Allowance for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#3 Wow Brown takes on Aqueduct and the NYRA circuit for the first time in his career. He’s had a nice career up to this point at Finger Lakes, but this will be a major upgrade in competition compared to what he has seen in the past. #7 Saratoga Pal is probably the horse to beat on paper based on his last effort.  He was able to go five-wide and circle the field as he stormed home to catch the rest of the field at the wire.

Race 9: Red Smith Stakes (G3) for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 3/8 miles (11 furlongs) on the inner turf

#4 Sadler’s Joy returns to Aqueduct where he absolutely loves Aqueduct. He’s won both of his races here, including the Red Smith Stakes (G3) last year. He deserves to be the morning-line favorite. #9 Aquaphobia wants to go as long as possible. He’s run 38 times in his career, but only one race was 11 furlongs. That race saw him win at Monmouth Park in the United Nations Stakes (G1) over the summer.

Race 10: $40,000 Maiden Claiming for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the outer turf

#6 Bricco looks to be one of the top choices on paper based on his previous races. This will be his first start at Aqueduct, so maybe he takes to the main track here and finds the winners’ circle. #8 Michael’s Bad Boy responded well to his first race in his new barn. Irad Ortiz Jr. picked up the mount last time out and rides again in this spot. Ortiz Jr. is winning at 20% and one of the top jockeys in New York.

THE TICKET

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

Aqueduct November 21, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Aqueduct

Ricky’s Rockets: Churchill Downs

Ricky’s Rockets: Del Mar