Ricky’s Rockets 🚀: Belmont Park, Churchill Downs and Gulfstream Park Picks for May 9, 2021

#RickysRockets🚀 simply can’t and won’t stop cashing tickets. Everything has worked out right this week, and we are trying to cap off the week right! This is all perfect timing as we start to ramp up toward the Preakness Stakes (G1) next Saturday at Pimlico. There’s no better time to be wagering than right now!

Also included below: my 9-race preview of Belmont Park, 10-race preview of Churchill Downs, 11-race preview of Gulfstream Park!

Best of luck!

Belmont Park May 9, 2021

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

#9 Schokolade was just a neck away from making it two wins in a row, after his race against Allowance Optional Claiming runners last time out. He’s yet to run over a fast main track, so that potentially could still be a question mark. #12 It’s Gravy has already run in multiple stakes races, but only has one win in his career. His best races have been going a little bit longer, so 7 furlongs shouldn’t be an issue for him. Javier Castellano picks up the mount for the first time since his debut.

Race 7: $80,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the widener turf

#2 Bodecream has faced some tough competition on the turf prior to this race. I don’t think he’s going to be on the lead, but he should be close enough where he’s tactical and a good enough spot to run well. Luis Saez was aboard when he ran third in the Saranac Stakes (G3) last year at Saratoga. #6 Winning Factor will look to get back to his winning ways in his 2021 debut. He was spectacular as a four year old last year as well.

Race 8: Gold Fever Stakes for 3-year-olds going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#1 Beren has shown on two separate occasions that he hasn’t been talented enough to run against stakes runners. His most recent effort was in the Bay Shore Stakes (G1) at Aqueduct last month, where he finished well back against Drain the Clock. #6 Candy Man Rocket was headed for the Kentucky Derby (G1), if he had run well in either the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) or the Wood Memorial (G2). Let’s see if he’s good enough to run against non-graded stakes runners. 

Race 9: Maiden Special Weight for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the inner turf

#1 Runaway Rumour has all the turf pedigree needed to win this race, but I’m not sure she’s going to be a sprinter for very long. Jose Lezcano is one of my favorite turf riders in New York, and breaking from the outside should help this filly tremendously. #5 No Payne gets back to he turf where she finished second two starts back. That will be the race she needs to run to win.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 9,12 / 2,6 / 1,6 / 1,5 – $48

50¢ Pick 4 (Races 6-9)  4,7,9,12 / 1,2,5,6 / 1,2,6 / 1,5 – $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