Ricky’s Rockets ?: Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park Picks for January 3, 2021

Ricky’s Rockets? had a massive Saturday afternoon cashing in two Pick 4’s ($180.50, $279.35) two Pick 5’s ($509, $737.50) and two Pick 6’s ($1,353.30, $1,376.34) and the free $3 Pick 4 for $1,083! Luckily for everyone who missed out, we are back on the first Sunday of 2021 as we close out the weekend. There are no major stakes races to talk about, but the action never stops!

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

Best of luck!

Race 6: $32,000 Claiming for 4-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#2 Dark Storm threw in a clunker in his last race, which definitely hurts his chances coming into this race. However, this is a major drop in class for a horse that was running against much tougher last year. Let’s see if he can find his best form. #4 Family Biz won at this level three starts back when he was running in his old barn. He never should’ve been running against Allowance horses, but it looks like he will have a chance to get back to the winners’ circle here.

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

The Todd Pletcher duo looks more than tough on paper. The big difference between these runners are the dirt starts. #1 Jerry the Nipper has never finished outside the top three on the dirt, and #1A Microsecond has never won a dirt start in his career. #9 Six Percent will get his chance to try this level for the third Tim in his career. He deserves a chance based on his ability to finish in the money in the majority of his races on the dirt.

Race 8: La Verdad Stakes for New York-bred fillies and mares 4-year-olds and upward going 7 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Sadie Lady will get her chance for revenge after showing one of her worst efforts in the New York Stallion Series two starts back. #6 Sharp Starr was able to win in the Go For Wand Stakes (G3) last time out beating open company. She looks like a standout on paper in a quality field. 

Race 9: $25,000 Maiden Claiming for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#3 Stella Mars will make her first start win the dirt and drop in for a tag for the first time in her career. She hasn’t looked good in the majority of her races, but this race looks quite easy. #9 Investment Grade steps to the east coast she tries state-bred competition for the first time. This race looks like it will be dominated on paper by the two favorites.

THE TICKET

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

Aqueduct January 3, 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