Ricky’s Rockets ?: Belmont Park, Keeneland, Pimlico and Santa Anita Park Picks for October 3, 2020

Saturday marks one of the biggest days on the calendar. Multiple Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In races are on tap across the country at Belmont, Keeneland and Pimlico. Oh, and did I mention this is the 145th running of the Preakness Stakes as well? Saturday will be one of the days we remember for years to come, and Ricky’s Rockets is covering all the tracks needed to make this day one for the history books. 

Also included below: my 11-race preview of Keeneland, 11-race preview of Pimlico and 10-race preview of Santa Anita.

Best of luck!

Race 7: Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes (G1) for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/2 miles (12 furlongs) on the widener turf

#3 Channel Maker looked the best he had looked in over a year. I’m not sure he can repeat that effort, but he has three wins at this distance and has always done better in the past going longer. #4 Rockemperor is still in search for his first win this year after multiple second and third place efforts. He has been extremely consistent and finished second in the Manhattan Stakes (G1) here at Belmont on July 4.

Race 8: Kelso Handicap (G2) for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#4 Complexity did everything right in the Forego Stakes (G1) at Saratoga over the summer, but was caught at the wire. He’s sprinted well in the past but is 2/2 going eight furlongs in his career. #5 Code of Honor has faced some of the best older horses in the country this past year. He’s finished in the money in all five of his races at Belmont Park.

Race 9: Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes (G1) for 3-year-olds going 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs) on the inner turf

#2 Gufo will be making his Belmont Park debut for Christophe Clement who has his three year old in fantastic form. Clement is winning at 27% at the meet and 18% in the last 365 days in all stakes races.

Race 10: Maiden Special Weight for New York-bred 2-year-old fillies going 6 furlongs on the widener turf

#5 She’s a Majestic was scheduled to make her debut on the turf but weather forced her to try the dirt instead. I’m interested how she does on the turf, especially with some experience under her belt. #7 Hedda was a $325,000 purchase last year and will make her debut for Chad Brown. Brown and Javier Castellano team up once again, a duo that has proved to be quite potent in the last 365 days winning at 27%.

THE TICKET

$5 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 3,4 / 4,5 / 2 / 5,7 – $40

Belmont Park October 3, 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

Ricky’s Rockets: Pimlico

Ricky’s Rockets: Santa Anita