Ricky’s Rockets ?: Belmont Park and Churchill Downs Picks for October 25, 2020

Ricky’s Rocket’s took off again Saturday cashing in the late Pick 4 at Keeneland for $588.60 and the late Pick 4 at Santa Anita for $322.85! Just as the Keeneland meet ends in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup, Churchill Downs kicks off their fall meet. The feature at Belmont Park is the Athenia Stakes (G3) for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the inner turf.

Also included below: my 11-race preview of Churchill Downs!

Best of luck!

Race 7: $40,000 Maiden Claiming for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the widener turf

#4 Kitten’s Romance has some races that make her competitive in this spot. She’s shown the ability to be versatile and make a run late no matter where she is on the track. At 6/1 on the morning line, she has some value. #10 Wicked Happy ran the best race of her career back on July 9 at this distance. I’m hoping she can repeat that performance and finally break her maiden in her ninth start.

Race 8: $62,500 Allowance Optional Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#1 Last Judgment tried this level last time out for Tom Morley where he finished fifth. Drawing the rail is a big advantage for him, especially with a lack of early speed. #4 High Velocity makes his New York debut for Kelly Breen. Once a stakes runner in California, he will look to find his best form once again.

Race 9: Athenia Stakes (G3) for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the inner turf

#2 Call Me Love isn’t the best of the older fillies and mares on the turf, but she’s just a cut below. This is a perfect spot for her and should giver her a chance to capture her first win in the United States. #7 She’s Got You comes off of a win in the Violet Stakes at Monmouth Park. She won going 8 1/2 furlongs, and will have no issues getting this distance again.

Race 10: Allowance for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 7 furlongs on the widener turf

#2 Violent Point has enough early speed to make her competitive. However, getting this distance may pose an issue down the stretch. She should be on the lead which has proven to go a long way here at Belmont Park, especially on the turf. #5 Fresco finished second in her only race going seven furlongs, so the cut-back in distance should help her chances to pick up her second win this year.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 4,10 / 1,4 / 2,7 / 2,5 – $48

Belmont Park October 25, 2020

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 new product below:

Ricky’s Rockets: Belmont Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Churchill Downs