Ricky’s Rockets ?: Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park Picks for January 9, 2021

Ricky’s Rockets? cashed and cashed big at Aqueduct on Friday afternoon! The Rockets brought home two pick 4’s ($197.25, $177.25) two pick 5’s ($1,470, $1,090.25) and the Empire 6 ($1,523.10 all from Aqueduct. We will look to get back to it on Saturday afternoon with massive cards from across the country at Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita. YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!

Also included below: my 11-race preview of Gulfstream Park and 10-race preview of Santa Anita.

Best of luck!

Aqueduct January 9, 2021

Race 6: $40,000 Maiden Claiming for 4-year-olds going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#3 My First Grammy has shown the ability to get the lead which always proves to be potent in this type of field. #6 This Ill Defend looked like he belonged at this level when he tried this spot last time out. It’s interesting to note that he was scheduled to run on the turf, but the connections chose to keep him on the dirt anyways. Look for him to command similar money before they enter the gate.

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

#2 Beaver Creek took a brief bump at the start, that simply made him uncomfortable. He won his race toward the front end two starts back, so I’m willing to throw out his last race where he had to come from well back. #9 Much Trouble ran a great race last time out, but that was going 8 furlongs on the turf. He has a mixed bag of results on both surfaces, so I’m not sure where he belongs. He also has never gone 6 furlongs in his career so the talent is there, but it’s tough to know if he wants this spot.

Race 8: $40,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for fillies and mares 4-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Awesome Debate made the transition from Finer Lakes to Aqueduct last year, and did it relatively easily. She’s won 2/5 races at this distance and has finished in the money in 7/9 races in her career. #6 Doll will shirt to the dirt for the first time since September. Her biggest issue is the fact she likes to finish second. She’s finished in the money in all 8 starts, but 5 have resulted in second place efforts with only 1 win.

Race 9: $14,000 Claiming for 4-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

The Rob Atras duo of #1 Classy Papa and #1A Magnetron simply look better than the rest. Magnetron took to the Aqueduct surface in his last start, but he’s yet to win a race over this track in 7 attempts. Manny Franco was aboard last time out when he finished second by a neck at this level. #9 Economic Policy will make his first start away from Chad Brown’s barn, which is a downgrade as he makes his 4-year-old debut. The good news is, he was on a tear before his miscue in his last race on November 19.

THE TICKET

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