Ricky’s Rockets ?: Belmont Park and Keeneland Picks for October 4, 2020

What day to be a horse racing fan. Saturday lived up to the hype like we all expected, but the storylines moving forward are just as good! There will be plenty to talk about now as we lead up to the Breeders’ Cup, in just a month’s time. Ricky’s Rockets is back at Belmont Park highlighted by three stakes races toward the back end of the card.

Also included below: my 10-race preview of Keeneland!

Best of luck!

Race 7: Miss Grillo Stakes (G2) for 2-year-old fillies going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the inner turf

#4 Caldee didn’t to much in her debut on the dirt but when she got on the turf, she looked like a much different runner. She proved she can handle the distance with ease as she won by over six lengths.

Race 8: Beldame Stakes (G2) for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt

This race is one of the most competitive on the card highlighted by Chad Brown’s filly #2 Dunbar Road. She had a fantastic 3-year-old campaign, and has proven to be a great runner at four as well. She will look to stay unbeaten this year and enter the seven-figure career earnings category.

Race 9: Belmont Turf Sprint Invitational Stakes (G3) for 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the widener turf

#1 Chewing Gum has always been tough to figure out due to his running-style. He likes to close into sprints and fast paces, and this race sets up perfectly for him. #5 Archidust hasn’t faced the toughest fields of all time, but he continues to win no matter the race. Since moving from Jorge Navarro’s barn to Steve Asmussen’s he is undefeated, which both races coming at Monmouth Park.

Race 10: Maiden Special Weight for New York-bred 2-year-olds going 6 furlongs on the inner turf

#4 Iwo Jima has been training down at Fair Hill in Maryland in preparation for this start. It shows encouragement that Graham Motion brings his runner north to try this spot. Motion is winning at 25% for fall meet and his runners have looked better than ever. #7 Phantom Smoke was a $200,000 purchase earlier in the spring, and will finally get to make his debut. His trainer Christophe Clement has finished in money with 14/24 runners during the meet.

THE TICKET

$5 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 4 / 2 / 1,5 / 1,7 – $20

Belmont Park October 4, 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: Keeneland