Ricky’s Rockets ?: Belmont Park, Keeneland, and Santa Anita Park Picks for October 24, 2020

We are officially 14 days away from the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and all of the other fantastic racing at Keeneland. Today is the final day of the Keeneland fall meet, in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup in two weeks. Saturday also marks a great day for New York-bred runners in great stakes action. Check it all out right here!

Also included below: my 10-race preview of Keeneland and 10-race preview of Santa Anita.

Best of luck!

Race 8: Mohawk Stakes for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the inner turf

#7 Somelikeithotbrown has been running against some of the best turf horses in the country leading up to this race. He faces state-bred competition in this race making him an obvious choice. #8 Cross Border is 2/4 at this distance and will look to claim victory for the first time since July 22 at Saratoga.

Race 9: Iroquois Stakes for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#1 Newly Minted has only finished outside the top three once in her career. She won her only race going 6 1/2 furlongs not he dirt in her second career start last April at Aqueduct. #7 Spin a Yarn has been primarily running at Finger Lakes, where she’s dominated every race. This is a bid step up for her, but if she can get to the lead, she may be able to take this field gate-to-wire.

Race 10: Empire Classic Handicap for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt

#2 Mr. Buff was once one of the best runners in New York earlier this year. After trying himself against some of the best older runners in the country, he gets back to facing state-bred competition where he should shine. #3 Funny Guy was the last runner to beat him in state-bred stakes competition in the John Morrissey Stakes at Saratoga. These two stand out on paper, and will be tough to beat.

Race 11: Allowance for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 7 furlongs on the widener turf

#5 Three Outlaws should enjoy going longer than the 5 1/2 and 6 furlongs he’s been running at this year. His trainer Rob Atras is winning at 25% at the Belmont fall meet, and will look to pull off an upset here in the finale. #12 Impazible Odds doesn’t want to go as long as he’s been running in his last two starts. He’s run his best races in 2020 going 7 furlongs, a distance he gets back to in this race.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 8-11) 7,8 / 1,7 / 2,3 / 5,12 – $48

Belmont Park October 24, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Belmont Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Keeneland

Ricky’s Rockets: Santa Anita