Ricky’s Rockets ?: Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park Picks for January 17, 2021

Ricky’s Rockets? attacked Saturday with force highlighted by a Pick 4 at Aqueduct paying close to $1,000! It’s been a strong week and we don’t plan on letting up. With MLK day on the horizon, there is plenty of time to add to your bankrolls as we head into Sunday afternoon!

Also included below: my 11-race preview of Gulfstream Park and 9-race preview of Santa Anita.

Best of luck!

Aqueduct January 17, 2021

Race 6: $40,000 Maiden Claiming for New York-bred 3-year-olds going 6 furlongs on the dirt

The coupled entry of #1 Chambo and #1A American Gentleman are interesting for two different reasons. Chambo was purchased for $155,000 last year but is making his debut for Tom Morley who has struggled at the meet. American Gentleman drops in for a tag for the first time after failing to hit the money in any of his first four starts. They both figure to be tough in this spot. #3 Yerosilverbiz gets a trainer who’s winning at 21% in Rob Atras and Kendrick Carmouche to ride who’s winning at 29%. That’s enough for me to include here.

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

#5 Leap to Glory ran one of his better races last time out in this spot after being forwardly placed early on. He lost to #7 Bustin Timerlake, but he was closer to the pace early on. The winner of that race Jemography is much better than both of these horses. Bustin Timberlake won’t be 20/1 when he breaks the gate this time around, but my strategy is to play against the favorite in Moonachie. These two runners look like the have the best chance to cause an upset.

Race 8: Ladies Handicap for fillies and mares 4-year-olds and upward going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt

#2 Smooth With a Kick faced some of the better fillies in the country last time out for Chad Brown. This will be her first start as a 5-year-old and I expect a big effort from her in a bounce back spot. #6 Ujjayi has earned a chance to get back to stakes competition after her race against AOC competition. She is my top choice as she looks to make it two in a row.

Race 9: $16,000 Claiming for fillies and mares 4-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#6 Holmdel Park continues to drop in class for Jimmy Ryerson. This is not a filly I can trust since she hasn’t won since 2019, but she does look better on paper than the rest of this field. #8 Foley Square ran well at this level last time out and could use her speed to give her a tactical advantage over this field, if she can get to the lead quickly.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 1-1A,3 / 5,7 / 2,6 / 6,8 – $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