Ricky’s Rockets 🚀: Aqueduct, Keeneland, Oaklawn Park and Santa Anita Park Picks for April 3, 2021

Ricky’s Rockets🚀 continue to stay white-hot after a great opening day at Keeneland on Friday afternoon! It was so nice to see racing return to Lexington, Kentucky with fans in sight. While Friday’s card was fantastic, Saturday’s is even better with Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) points on the line. We also have coverage from Aqueduct, Oaklawn Park and Santa Anita Park as we get ready for a crazy Saturday afternoon!

Also included below: my 11-race preview of Aqueduct, 11-race preview of Keeneland, 12-race preview of Oaklawn Park and 12-race preview of Santa Anita Park!

Best of luck!

Oaklawn Park April 3, 2021

Race 9: $62,500 Allowance Optional Claiming for 4-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#6 Nifty is one of the better closers in this race, in a spot with a ton of speed. He should be able to take advantage of that given the setup. They will be motoring up front, with very few options to run them down late. #8 Nuclear Option is one of the runners that will be vying for the lead. Drawing to the outside helps him tremendously, especially with the speed toward the inside.

Race 10: $20,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for 4-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#5 Impressed is still looking for his first win at Oaklawn Park after 8 failed attempts. I think he’s talented enough to overcome a stat like that but it’s important to keep that in mind. #6 Well Connected makes another move to a new trainer after running just one race for William Martin. On his best day he’s more than good enough to win this race. This is another wide open event. 

Race 11: Fantasy Stakes (G3) for 3-year-old fillies going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the dirt

#3 Syliva Q failed mightily in her one race against stakes competition, but that was over a muddy track. She’s one of a couple speed runners, so I think she needs to be considered with the scratch of Sun Path. #7 Pauline’s Pearl is another mystery of sorts due to her path. She only has one win, and that came over a sloppy track. If someone throws out the Honeybee Stakes this race is wide open.

Race 12: $50,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for 4-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the dirt

#8 Mo Mosa is one of many runners looking to get back to their winning ways. Having said that, he got a 114 TimeForm figure better than what many of the other runners have put forth. #9 Proverb has finished in 5/7 races here at Oaklawn Park with two victories. Richard Baltas won with his only runner here in Noble Reflection on March 7. Baltas is one of the better trainers in California.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 9-12) 6,8 / 5,6 / 3,7 / 8,9 – $48

50¢ Pick 4 (9-12) 6,8 / 2,5,6 / 2,3,4,7 / 1,2,8,9 – $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: Keeneland

Ricky’s Rockets: Oaklawn Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Santa Anita Park