Ricky’s Rockets 🚀: Belmont Park, Churchill Downs and Gulfstream Park Picks for May 6, 2021

There is so much to unpack on the first Saturday in May, as #RickysRockets🚀 takes on Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby. We weren’t able to watch the Kentucky Derby last May, so this year’s edition is even more special. Not only do we have the Kentucky Derby, we have six other stakes races on the docket as well! It’s an action-packed day, and we have all the coverage right here, so we all could make some money!

Also included below: my 9-race preview of Belmont Park, 8-race preview of Churchill Downs, 8-race preview of Gulfstream Park!

Best of luck!

Belmont Park May 6, 2021

Race 6: Maiden Special Weight for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 3/8 miles (11 furlongs) on the inner turf

#3 Royale has been given more and more ground with each and every start. It makes sense with his European pedigree, and Dynaformer on the dam’s side. Maybe he evolves as a three-turn horse. #4 Prayer Book was able to find some early speed in his last race, something he hasn’t been able to show in the past. Look for Luis Saez to try and push him toward the lead early on. 

Race 7: $20,000 Claiming for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#4 Baby Boss will look to claim her first win of the year as she makes the move to Rob Atras’ barn. It’s not a good sign she was purchased for $40,000 and now enters this race for a $20,000 tag. #6 Midtown Rose was exclusively running in Florida, prior to Saffie Joseph Jr. bringing her to New York. This will be her first start here at Belmont Park in her career.

Race 8: $45,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the widener turf

#4 Silky Blue proved she belongs in this class based on her last effort. In her first race in over five months, she was just a length away from winning. Manny Franco has done a fantastic job with this filly in the past. #8 Violent Point should be on the lead, but she has a bad way of giving up the lead as the race progresses. This would be the first turf victory of her career.

Race 9: $40,000 Claiming for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the inner turf

#4 Zerenia took a while to break her maiden, but now that she has, it’s up to John Terranova to figure out where she belongs in her first start against winners. This is an aggressive placement, but one of many who has a chance to win. #9 Corey Scores takes a solid drop in class here, a drop that makes him tough to beat. If he can show some tactical speed, he will be in a prime spot around the far turn.

THE TICKET

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

50¢ Pick 4 (6-9)  2,3,4,6 / 4,6 / 3,4,8 / 4,5,9,11 – $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: Belmont Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Churchill Downs

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park