Ricky’s Rockets ?: Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park Picks for January 8, 2021

Ricky’s Rockets? was back at it on Thursday afternoon cashing some nice tickets from Aqueduct and Gulfstream Park. If you missed out, we are back on Friday afternoon from Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita.

Also included below: my 10-race preview of Gulfstream Park and 9-race preview of Santa Anita.

Best of luck!

Aqueduct January 8, 2021

Race 5: $10,000 Claiming for 4-year-olds going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

The Wayne Potts duo #1 Hardcore Folklore and #1A Flatexcel looks pretty strong on paper but both are coming off of disappointing races. I prefer Hardcore Folklore because his last race came on a muddy track. He had a good off-track race coming into his start last week, but look for a bounce back effort here. #7 Hero’s Hope was competitive when he faced Hardcore Folklore two starts back. It’s possible that he isn’t that good, but at a price he makes a lot of sense.

Race 6: Maiden Special Weight for 3-year-olds going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#7 Inspiration Point was supposed to one of those horses we could be talking about for quite a long time, and a potential runner in the Jerome Stakes (G3). Things didn’t map out that way for him, and will have to break his maiden in 2021. #8 Officiating ran one of his better races going 8 1/2 furlongs over a sloppy track. I’m interested in him if this race is over a fast track. He will be a short price, but is a must use on all multi-race wagers.

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

#5 Wudda U Think Now tried a mile for the first time in his career, something he looked really uncomfortable doing. He gets back to the distance where he made his debut this past fall. This is similar to the last race that he ran on December 10. #8 Saratoga Pal should have some pace to close into based on the initial findings of this race. He has shown consistent progression in his career and could make his 2021 debut a winning one for Chris Englehart, who’s winning at 20% at the meet.

Race 8: $25,000 Claiming for 4-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#5 Dust Devil continues to fall in the Claiming ranks but Mike Maker will get his second start out of him. There have been quality riders aboard in the past, so it’s no surprise he draws Kendrick Carmouche, who is arguably the best rider at the meet. #13 Pier Forty is one of the more consistent runners in this race, but has been given a multitude of chances in the past. I DO NOT want him to beat me in this spot.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 1-1A,7 / 7,8 / 5,8 / 5,13 – $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