Ricky’s Rockets ?: Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park Picks for January 2, 2021

 Ricky’s Rockets? started 2021 on the right foot cashing some big tickets across the country. There’s nothing like cashing some tickets on New Year’s Day. Luckily for any who may have missed out, there are plenty of opportunities to get back into the action once again!

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

Best of luck!

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

#6 Breakfastatbonnies comes into this race with a decent amount of pedigree, and one of the better riders left at Aqueduct. Laoban has proven to be one of the better New York sires and his rider Kendrick Carmouche is winning 30% of his mounts at the meet. #9 Hip Number One broke sharply from the gate in her debut, but after being tested early on, she weakened quite quickly. It’s important to note Dylan Davis picks up the mount again, indicating he saw something in her that he liked moving forward. 

Race 7: $40,000 Claiming for 4-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#1 First Line has gone down hill since he broke his maiden and followed it up with a 6th place finish in the Jim Dandy (G2) for three year olds. If he is able to make his 2021 debut a winning one, it will be Orlando Noda’s first win of the meet as a trainer. #4 Perceived has every right to be the favorite and coming out of Chad Brown’s barn should help this cause as well. He hasn’t run since February which is a clear indication he hasn’t been able to stay fit for most of 2020.

Race 8: Gravesend Stakes for 4-year-olds and upward going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#1 Happy Farm will make his debut in 2021 his first race since we last saw him in March 2020 in the Tom fool Handicap (G3). He ran well in this race last year as well when he finished second to Firenze Fire who simply is better than he is. #3 Pete’s Play Call will make only his second career stakes start after a fantastic 2020 campaign. He made close to $200,000 last year and has earned this chance as an 8-year-old.

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

The #1 Freedom Force and #1A Unbridled John come into this race as a coupled entry. I prefer the latter since his never faced winners before so he’s a bit of an unknown. #11 Doubly Blessed has never run on the main track, so he’s also trying something new for the first time. Any time Mike Maker drops in a horse in a race like this, they tend to run well. Maker’s runners are finishing in the money at a 60% clip.

THE TICKET

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

Aqueduct January 2, 2021

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