Ricky’s Rockets ?: Del Mar, Gulfstream Park and Saratoga Picks for August 21, 2020

We are back at Del Mar, Gulfstream and Saratoga today after sweeping the entire Saratoga card! What a day it was as we cashed the Empire 6, both Pick 5’s and three Pick 4’s! One of my favorite stakes races of the meet is back: the Skidmore for 2-year-olds going 5 1/2 furlongs on the outer turf.

Also included below: my 10-race preview of Del Mar and 9-race preview of Gulfstream Park!

Best of luck!

Race 6: Allowance for 3-year-old fillies going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the inner turf

#6 Princesa Caroline won on debut with ease and went straight into the deep end in the Jimmy Durante Stakes (G3) at Del Mar. She is the filly to beat and trainer Chad Brown does extremely well with long layoffs winning at 33% with runners returning to the track after 180+ days. #9 Passion Factor faced much tougher in the Appalachian Stakes (G2) last time out and has a right to improve against weaker foes.

Race 7: $40,000 Claiming for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#3 Jump for Joy will look to make it 2 in a row after winning at the $32,000 level last time out. #4 I’ll Take the Cake makes his Saratoga debut after 2 starts at Gulfstream Park. Tyler Gaffalione was aboard 2 back when she won the Lady Bird Stakes on February 17.

Race 8: Allowance for New York-bred 3-year-olds going 5 1/2 furlongs on the outer turf

#1 Veterans Beach makes his long-awaited return to the track for the first time in almost a year. Christophe Clement and Joel Rosario have dominated at the SPA In 2020 and have teamed up to win at 23% in the last 365 days. #9 Crack Shot faced tougher last time out. He’s shown an ability to be on the front end but has had a tough time holding on late in the stretch.

Race 9: Maiden Special Weight for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the inner turf

#4 Kaz’s Princess gets Irad Ortiz, Jr., to ride back; that alone makes this filly worth including at 8/1 on the morning line. #7 Kept Waiting almost got the job done in her second career start. Look for her to improve once again as she cuts back slightly in distance.

THE TICKET

$2 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 6,9 / 3,4 / 1,9 / 4,7 – $32

Saratoga August 21, 2020

For my full card plays, featuring race-by-race analysis, my top four picks for each race, and full-card multi-race wagers, check out my new product below:

Ricky’s Rockets: Saratoga

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Del Mar