Ricky’s Rockets ?: Churchill Downs, Del Mar, Gulfstream Park and Saratoga Picks for September 5, 2020

Ricky’s Rockets was pretty successful yesterday after we were able to get some top choices home and some multi-race sequences as well across all four tracks. If it’s possible, Saturday will be even bigger across the nation. As we transition, the Kentucky Derby (G1) will be run on the same day Saratoga and Del Mar are open for the first time ever. 2020 hasn’t been anything we will want to relive in the future, but this day will go down as one of the best in history. 

Also included below: my 14-race preview of Churchill Downs, 11-race preview of Del Mar and 12-race preview of Gulfstream Park!

Best of luck!

Race 9: Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) for 3-year-olds going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt

#6 Dr. Post had enough points to make the gate in the Kentucky Derby by the connections and Todd Pletcher figured this spot was better for him. He now becomes the morning-line favorite vs. being a huge longshot to Tiz the Law. #7 Mystic Guide was okay in his only stakes race, the Peter Pan (G3). He is clearly the second choice on paper behind Dr. Post.

Race 10: Prioress Stakes (G2) for 3-year-old fillies going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#5 Frank’s Rockette has only lost one time this year and that race was the Purple Martin at Oaklawn Park. She also is looking for her first win at Saratoga with two second place finishes to her name. Her races at Saratoga came last year in the Adirondack (G2) and the Spinaway (G1). #9 Reagan’s Edge finished a close second to Frank’s Rockette last time out and now should be considered a major player now that #1 Kimari is SCRATCHED!

Race 11: Woodward Handicap (G1) for 4-year-olds and upward going 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs) on the dirt

This race is very simple. If #2 Tacitus backs up his Suburban (G2) on July 4 at Belmont, no one is beating him. He’s beaten other top competitor Moretti and looks to be in solid form for this event. #5 Spinoff has two wins in three starts at the main track here at Saratoga. This isn’t the toughest Gr. 1 race in Saratoga history and could be the only time Spinoff can find himself in the winners’ circle.

Race 12: $40,000 Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the outer turf

#4 Doubly Blessed faces winners for the first time after breaking his maiden in his second career start at Tampa Bay Downs. This is also his first start for Mike Maker after leaving Jonathan Thomas’ barn. #8 Life On Top will need need pace to close into to win at this level. He’s tried this level on multiple occasions but he’s been a non-factor based on his odds. 

THE TICKET

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

Saratoga September 5, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Saratoga

Ricky’s Rockets: Churchill Downs

Ricky’s Rockets: Del Mar

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park