Ricky’s Rockets ?: Del Mar, Gulfstream Park and Saratoga Picks for August 16, 2020

The 3-year-olds didn’t disappoint as the Alabama (G1) and the Saratoga Derby lived up to the hype. Sunday’s feature is the Saratoga Oaks for 3-year-old fillies going 1 3/16 miles (9 1/2 furlongs) on the outer turf.

Also included below: my 11-race preview of Gulfstream Park and 11-race preview of Del Mar!

Best of luck!

Race 7: Allowance for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the inner turf

#9 Duress was close to getting the job done for Tom Albertrani on July 11 at this level. He gets an extra furlong to navigate through this time around as Luis Saez should put the 4-year-old son of Violence on the front end. #10 Mo Gotcha should be on the lead which, gives him a massive advantage over the field. He’s one of a few with early pace and will be tough to catch in the stretch.

Race 8: $40,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Fierce Lady has enjoyed running at Saratoga claiming a first, a second, and a third at Saratoga in three career starts. #6 Bertranda beat fellow runners Prairie Fire and Fierce Lady on July 23. Irad Ortiz Jr. gave her a great ride and will look to do the same again this time around.

Race 9: Saratoga Oaks Invitational Stakes for 3-year-old fillies going 1 3/16 miles (9 1/2 furlongs) on the outer turf

#3 Antoinette has proven to be a quality filly regardless of the surface. She hasn’t won a race since last year, but she’s faced some of the best fillies in the country. #4 Stunning Sky is a 3-year-old filly by Declaration of War for Mike Maker. She likes to come from far back and will need someone to go with Antoinette early on.

Race 10: $40,000 Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Yankee Empire faces winners for the first time after breaking his maiden in his seventh career start. John Velazquez picks up the mount for the third straight race. #3 Southern Bridge gets back to the dirt for the first time since last October. It’s difficult to understand why the connections have waited to get him back on the dirt but he’s shown that’s his preferred surface.

THE TICKET

$2 Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 9,10 / 2,6 / 3,4 / 2,3 – $32

Saratoga August 16, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Saratoga

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream

Ricky’s Rockets: Del Mar