Ricky’s Rockets 🚀: Belmont Park, Churchill Downs and Gulfstream Park Picks for June 13, 2021

We were never going to replicate the magic on Belmont Stakes day, but #RickysRockets🚀 did make the most of Saturday afternoon! It’s time to wrap up the week with some more racing from Florida, Kentucky and New York. The summer racing slate is slowing picking up, and it’s time to get in on the action!

Also included below: my 9-race preview of Belmont Park, 10-race preview of Churchill Downs, 10-race preview of Gulfstream Park!

Best of luck!

Belmont Park June 13, 2021

Race 6: $45,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the widener turf

#1 Discretionary Marq has held the lead at this level in two straight efforts, but hasn’t been able to hold onto the lead down the stretch. His last race was extremely quick, but his race at Aqueduct was relatively slow. He’s one of many with a chance to win this race. #10 Swashbuckle has one lost one race in his career, but that race was against open competition. When we put the New York-bred restriction on him, he’s yet to lose. If he breaks well from the gate, he will be tough to catch on the front end.

Race 7: Starter Allowance for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Calibogue Sound was utterly dominant for Jeremiah Englehart last month. Rudy Rodriguez may have discovered a gem with her, and he immediately protects her in her first start under his tutelage. #7 Cadeau de Paix takes a slight drop in class for Rob Klesaris who gets his mare back sprinting.

Race 8: $80,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the inner turf

#1 Platinum Paynter comes out of three stakes races, all won by much better fillers and mares. Jose Lezcano is one of the more underrated turf riders in New York. #7 Kalifornia Queen has yet to win a race in the United States, but she has competed against stakes winners. This is a massive drop in class for a horse who’s only won once since the beginning of last year.

Race 9: $40,000 Maiden Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 7 furlongs on the widener turf

#6 Caribbean Gold belongs at this level but as the 6/5 favorite last time out, she was supposed to win. Mike Maker and Luis Saez will take money as a reputable duo, but there are other options to go with. #9 Elston maybe the horse to beat if he got any better of the last year. Joel Rosario picks up the mount again which is an extremely promising sign.

THE TICKET

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

50¢ Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 1,7,9,10,12 / 2,7 / 1,2,7,8 / 6,9  – $40

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: Belmont Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Churchill Downs

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park