Ricky’s Rockets ?: Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and Los Alamitos Picks for December 4, 2020

Ricky’s Rockets? stayed hot on Thursday afternoon at Aqueduct and Gulfstream Park. Now we look to throw Los Alamitos into the mix for a few weeks before the return of Santa Anita. 

Also included below: my 10-race preview of Gulfstream Park and 8-race preview of Los Alamitos.

Best of luck!

Race 6: $80,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for 2-year-olds going 6 furlongs on the outer turf

#1 Phantom Smoke was impressive in his debut taking money as a favorite, inching away from the field early on. Christophe Clement doesn’t give him an easy task for his second race taking a major step up in class. #7 Swashbuckle is the other Christophe Clement trainee in here looking to make a statement off an impressive Maiden Special Weight victory in his debut. No matter how we break it down, Clement has a great chance to win this race between these two options.

Race 7: Starter Allowance for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the inner turf

#1 Much Trouble and #1A Chocolate Bar are standouts on paper, and become even more difficult to look past, as they enter this spot as a coupled entry. Both have yet to make a start here at Aqueduct, but both have been extremely formidable going 8 furlongs on the turf. The one horse who may have a chance to beat this powerful duo, is #9 Life On Top. I have a feeling this race may heat up on the front end early and often, so for a runner who likes to come from far out, he’s definitely worth a shot.

Race 8: $12,500 Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Wegotoldyougotsold dominated in his last effort at this level. He looks to make it two in a row, as he looks to strike from off of the pace. #12 Eye Luv Lulu is just a horse everyone likes to root for. He’s nine years old making his 61st appearance on the track. At a price, I’ll include a horse that’s finished first or second in 8/13 starts at Aqueduct.

Race 9: $40,000 Maiden Claiming for New York-bred 2-year-olds going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#9 Bohemian Ruby will make his debut in for a tag after failing to show much at the Maiden Special Weight level. His form is very suspect to say the least, but they tend to look much better when making this move especially at Aqueduct. #11 Another Shot will try going 8 furlongs for the first time in his career, after sprinting in his first two starts. He has no speed, so the added distance should help.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 1,7 / 1-1A,9 / 2,12 / 9,11 – $48

Aqueduct December 4, 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