Ricky’s Rockets ?: Churchill Downs Picks for September 23, 2020

After a great opening week at Belmont Park, the action resumes at Churchill Downs on Wednesday afternoon. There are nine races on the card as Ricky’s Rockets looks to gain momentum heading into the weekend!

Best of luck!

Race 6: Maiden Special Weight for 2-year-old fillies going 7 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Danger was purchased earlier this year for $170,000, and now will be making her first start in the process. Her trainer Mark Casse is winning at 13% with first time starters in the last 365 days. #5 Wild Combo is one of many fillies that is looking to make a splash in their debut. She is by Into Mischief, one of the best sires in the country regardless of the surface, distance or condition. Needless to say, she comes into this spot with a high price tag, and rides for a trainer winning at 17% for the meet.

Race 7: $50,000 Beaten Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the dirt

#1 Street Class will face Claiming competition for the first time in his career. This is where he belongs, as opposed to the Allowance Optional Claiming levels he’s been running at in the past. #5 Looking At Liberty faced winners on August 22 for the first time. He should fare better as he drops in class in his fifth career start.

Race 8: $80,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the turf

#4 Big Agenda has 10 seconds and 3 wins in his career which isn’t encouraging. However, he will be making his first started here at Churchill Downs so maybe that’s the change in scenery will make all the difference. #7 My Sixth Sense will try the turf for only the second time in his career. The last time he was on the grass was in 2018, so I’m willing to give him another chance this time around.

Race 9: $8,000 Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#6 Sharp Art finished second behind my top choice in this spot #7 Malpais. He sat right behind him and swung three-wide at the top of the stretch, but never made up ground. Malpais took the lead as they made their way to the far turn and never looked back. Gabriel Saez has been aboard for many of his wins dating back to his days at Charles Town and the Fair Grounds last spring. He should go off as a heavy favorite as he looks for his fifth career win.

THE TICKET

$5 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 2,5 / 1,5 / 4,7 / 7 – $40

Churchill Downs September 23, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Churchill Downs