Ricky’s Rockets ?: Churchill Downs and Gulfstream Park Picks for September 17, 2020

Just as Kentucky Downs ends, Churchill Downs returns off of their short hiatus after the Kentucky Derby. It’s great to see racing return at the Twinspires as we continue a fantastic week of racing.

Also included below: my 9-race preview of Gulfstream Park

Best of luck!

Race 6: Maiden Special Weight for 2-year-old fillies going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#3 Divine Comedy makes her debut for the hottest trainer at the meet, Brad Cox. Cox got off to a good start winning at 43%, and finishing in the money in 9/13 starts. Florent Geroux and Cox have combined to win at 26% in the last 365 days. Cherie DeVaux has been one of the better trainers with first time starters winning at 20% in the last 365 days. She’s hoping that success translate with #7 Bel Fiore who’s been consistently working at the training track in anticipation for her first start.

Race 7: $50,000 Beaten Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#5 Jessup took the lead and ran away from the field in his debut at Indiana Grand. Steve Asmussen has shown he’ll start his 2-year-olds anywhere in the country and place them where he feels they will be successful. #7 My Man Flintstone has only faced Claiming competition once in his life, and that was three starts back at Keeneland on July 10. He finished second in that race and should enjoy getting back to this level.

Race 8: Starter Allowance for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the turf

#2 Fra Mauro didn’t run his best race over this turf course last year going 8 1/2 furlongs. This is his first turf start since that race, as he looks to make amends. He’s finished in the money in 4/8 starts on the grass. #6 Beaver Hat finally broke through in his 10th career start. He had been so close, but got the job done going 8 furlongs. He will try the turf for only the second time in his career but has shown the ability close with ease.

Race 9: Maiden Special Weight for 2-year-old fillies going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#5 Seeking Seca will be nowhere near 10/1 at post-time for Mark Casse who finished in the money with 6/9 runners to open up the fall meet. She posted a four-furlong workout in :48.20 on September 11 in preparation for this race. #12 Montgomery Park will try this distance for the first time after running five furlongs in her debut. She clearly wanted longer after watching he replay. This distance should be better for her as she makes her second career start.

THE TICKET

$5 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 3,7 / 5 / 2,6 / 5,12 – $40

Churchill Downs September 17, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Churchill Downs

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park