Ricky’s Rockets ?: Belmont Park and Keeneland Picks for October 18, 2020

Ricky’s Rockets were on fire yesterday cashing a $164.50 Pick 4 and a $1,387 Pick 5 from Belmont to end the day as the countdown to the Breeders’ Cup marches on. There are stakes races once again at Belmont Park and Keeneland! Catch all of the action here as always, including my late Pick 4 from Belmont Park and plenty of opportunities to make some money!

Also included below: my 9-race preview of Keeneland!

Best of luck!

Race 7: $50,000 Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the inner turf

#7 Voting Control finished second in his one start this year back in the summer for Chad Brown at Churchill Downs. Brown has given him plenty of rest before, and is winning at 30% in the last 365 days between 2-6 month layoffs. #9 The Last Zip gets a trainer upgrade as he makes his first start for Mike Maker. Maker is winning at 26% at the Belmont fall meet.

Race 8: Maiden Special Weight for New York-bred 2-year-olds going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#2 It’s Gravy finished second in his debut, and then ran second in a stakes race at Finger Lakes. He gets back to the level where he can break his maiden. #4 Forty Two Ace looked much better in his second start where he finished second. He continues to get more ground to cover, which worked between his first and second start. Jose Ortiz is winning at 25% on Gary Sciacca’s runners in the last 365 days.

Race 9: Hill Prince Stakes (G2) for 3-year-olds going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the widener turf

#3 Decorated Invader has won 5/8 career races and has been stellar this year. His one loss came by 3/4 lengths in the Saratoga Derby. Assuming he can run his best race, he will beat this field with relative ease, and continue to add graded-stakes victories to his resume. #7 Buy Land and See was on a three race win streak before he finished third in the Mahony Stakes at Saratoga. He’s run his best races going longer, and eight furlongs fits his running-style perfectly.

Race 10: $40,000 Claiming for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the inner turf

#10 Defy Expectations finished second in her first race against winners at Laurel on September 17. She ran against Starter Optional Claiming runners, a group that is comparable to this spot. She should have no problem sitting right off of the lead. #11 Freddymo Factor needs to be on the lead to win. Will she be able to get the lead and hold on? As she drops in for a tag for the first time, I have a feeling the pace will be a little slower as she cuts-back in distance.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 7,9 / 2,4  / 3,7 / 10,11 – $48

Belmont Park October 18, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Belmont Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Keeneland