Ricky’s Rockets ?: Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, and Del Mar Picks for October 31, 2020

We are less than a week away to the biggest weekend in the sport. The anticipation and the excitement is just beginning as Ricky’s Rockets has you covered across the country on Saturday afternoon. Saturday also marks the beginning of the fall meet at Del Mar. There are three stakes races at Belmont as well as we close October!

Also included below: my 10-race preview of Churchill Downs and 9-race preview of Del Mar.

Best of luck!

Race 7: Allowance for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#6 Riken has to get to the lead to win being that’s the only way he’s won. He has come up short here at the Allowance levels, but he’s done well at Belmont winning or finishing second in 5/7 races. Luis Cardenas will look to give David Donk his first win of the meet. #9 South Africa faces winners for the first time after dominating at the Maiden Special Weight level. If we throw out his only turf race, he’s gotten better and better with more experience for Michelle Nevin.

Race 8: Awad Stakes for 2-year-olds going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the inner turf

#7 Space Launch took the lead at the tip of the stretch and never looked back. The pace was moderate, and a good chance it will be a little quicker here. Manny Franco will have plenty of options into the first turn, as to whether to put him on the front end, or sit off of the pace. #11 It Can Be Done broke his maiden on the dirt, but won a stakes race at Monmouth. He proved he can handle the distance last time out on the grass.

Race 9: Bold Ruler Handicap (G3) for 3-year-olds and upward going 7 furlongs on the dirt

In a very compact field, everyone can make their claim to win this race. #1 Mihos will be looking for speed to close into, since he doesn’t have a ton of early speed. His races at Belmont haven’t been the best, but this is his best distance. #2 Share the Ride has been a sprinter his entire career, no matter the track. Sometimes sprinters that try 7 furlongs tend to do well because of the slow first quarters these races tend to produce. Share the Ride has a chance to win going gate-to-wire.

Race 10: $40,000 Maiden Claiming for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt OFF TURF

#8 Belleza has never finished out of the money in all five of her dirt starts in her career. This is a great opportunity to be on the front end, and claim her first victor. #11 Sweet Sneak also drops in for a tag for the first time for George Weaver. Like Mike Maker, Weaver is winning at 33% when his runners make the drop in class in their subsequent starts.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 6,9 / 7,11 / 1,2 / 8,11 – $48

Belmont Park October 31, 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

Ricky’s Rockets: Del Mar