Ricky’s Rockets ?: Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park Picks for January 16, 2021

Ricky’s Rockets? will not stop! Friday afternoon was another success cashing for thousands of dollars across the country. The train does not stop as we have stakes action from Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita.

Also included below: my 12-race preview of Gulfstream Park and 10-race preview of Santa Anita.

Best of luck!

Aqueduct January 16, 2021

Race 6: Allowance for fillies and mares 4-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#3 Jump for Joy got better and better throughout last year and it almost resulted in a win at this level. She’s one of the coolest mares around as she makes her 32nd start, and her first as an 8-year-old for Mertkan Kantamaci. #8 Mrs. S had high hopes earlier in 2020 when she was running in the Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) last year for Todd Pletcher. She tried sprinting last time out, but I’ll throw in the excuse that it came on a sloppy track. Let’s see how she does on a fast track in her 2021 debut.

Race 7: Maiden Special Weight for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#5 It’s Gravy has been in two stakes races and still hasn’t broke his maiden for Kelly Breen. He’s obviously immensely talented, but he seems to like to run with other horses. This is the softest field he’s ever faced. #8 Brew Pub has also had his chances to win, but hasn’t gotten the job done in 6 starts. I don’t like this race whatsoever, but these two look the best on paper.

Race 8: Franklin Square Stakes for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#1 Vacay has done nothing wrong in her career, including beating Rossa Veloce who has a strong resume coming into this race. Can she stay undefeated for Todd Pletcher who’s winning at 29%? #4 Laobanonaprayer has gotten better and better over his most recent starts. 6/5 is a quite a short price for this field, but she may be too good for this field.

Race 9: Allowance for fillies and mares 4-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

There’s a case to be made for a lot of runners in this field, and this is why I went five deep in this spot. #1 Say Moi looks like she can sit the perfect trip from the rail. I haven’t liked the way Bill Mott’s runners have looked at the meet, but this is one of his better fillies. #10 Maiden Beauty took a big step up in her last start and ran relatively well. I think drawing toward the outside is good for her if she’s going to show speed.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 3,8 / 5,8 / 1,4 / 1,10 – $48

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: Santa Anita