Ricky’s Rockets ?: Belmont Park, Churchill Downs and Gulfstream Park Picks for September 18, 2020

Things are starting to heat up around the sport as Belmont Park opens back up for the first time since July. This is the beginning of the customary fall meet that runs from 9/18-11/1. The feature on Friday’s card is the first edition of the Miner’s Mark Stakes for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/2 miles (12 furlongs) on the dirt.

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

Best of luck!

Race 7: $40,000 Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the inner turf

#2 Big Wonder has five seconds and five thirds, with only one win to his name. This type of runner is always tough to bet with confidence because he fails to show the effort to win. Getting a seven pound allowance with Luis Cardenas aboard is a major advantage. #7 Daring Disguise took 13 career starts to get his first win. It’ll be interesting to see if he moves forward off of that effort. He has been much better since getting in Jimmy Bond’s barn in 2020.

Race 8: $40,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#1 Letmetakethiscall has finished either first or second in 15/27 races in her career. She will look to go gate-to-wire like she did in her last start at Saratoga on August 29. #4 Jewel of Arabia has been on a tear since breaking her maiden two starts back. She deserves to be the favorite as she looks for her third win in a row.

Race 9: Allowance for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the inner turf

#1 Windfall Profit faces winners for the first time after breaking her maiden at Saratoga. Let’s see if she can repeat that winning effort and parlay it into a win against a quality and talented group of runners. #8 Lashara beat fellow competitor Eye of a Soldier at this level on August 21 at Saratoga. She’s done better going longer and this distance fits her perfectly.

Race 10: $40,000 Maiden Claiming for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the widener turf

#7 Selfmade had been running well at this level on the turf two and three starts back. His last race was on a sloppy main track, a race I’m willing to throw out. #10 Bricco has finished second at this level three times in a row, and has been the favorite in two of them. It’s hard to throw him out, but it’s completely understandable to try and beat this favorite as well.

THE TICKET

$5 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 2,7 / 1,4 / 1,8 / 10 – $40

Belmont Park September 18, 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: Gulfstream Park