Ricky’s Rockets ?: Del Mar and Saratoga Picks for July 26, 2020

A couple of Pick 4’s at Del Mar yesterday has turned the momentum around. We’re back for a 10-race Saratoga card, highlighted by the Bernard Baruch Handicap (G2) for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the turf. Can Good Governance win his first stakes race, or will Halladay return to the SPA in style?

Also included below: my 11-race preview of Del Mar.

Best of luck!

Race 7: Allowance for 3-year-olds and upward going 5 1/2 furlongs on the outer turf

#7 American Mandate was scheduled for the turf in his last effort, but it was taken off and ran on a wet fast track. He had a three-furlong work on July 22 indicating Strong Mandate will show speed out of the gate. Everything is adding up for the 4-year-old. #8 Fast Getaway looks to make it two in a row for Linda Rice. He won by three lengths in his return to the track at Belmont Park and should be the favorite in his second start in 2020.

Race 8: Allowance for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt

#2 Happy Saver dominated in his first start on June 20 at Belmont Park. With another performance like his debut, his next start could be at the stakes level. #3 High Amplitude has tried this level twice and failed to fire as the favorite in both starts. He can win off of the layoff, but will need to take another step forward for Chad Brown. #6 Basquiat had a rough go of things last time out. In an allowance field, he faced Tap It To Win, Mystic Guide and Country Grammer. Unless Happy Saver emerges as a dominant 3-year-old Basquiat will have class relief here.

Race 9: Bernard Baruch Handicap (G2) for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the inner turf

#2 Good Governance continues to get better and better with each start. She was given a relatively easy allowance race as a tune-up for this start in the Bernard Baruch. He is the clear horse to beat in a small field for the best turf trainer in the game, Chad Brown. #6 Halladay makes his way north for his sixth career start at Saratoga. He is on a three race win streak, but will need his best to beat Good Governance.

Race 10: $40,000 Maiden Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the outer turf

#1 Seize the Day makes his first start for his new barn. In the process he tries the turf for the first time after running into Shooters Shoot in his debut. #9 Glynn County rides for Jonathan Thomas who’s winning at 44% at the maiden claiming level. #10 Turn of Events drops in class for Mike Maker after doing better at the $75,000 level.

THE TICKET

$2 PICK 4 (Races 7-10) 7,8 / 2,3,6 / 2,6 / 1,9,10 – $72

Saratoga, July 26, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Saratoga

Ricky’s Rockets: Del Mar