Ricky’s Rockets ?: Del Mar, Gulfstream Park and Saratoga Picks for August 22, 2020

After a tough day at Gulfstream and Saratoga, we bounced back in a big way at Del Mar! Multiple winners and some solid Pick 3’s as well. Another Saturday at the SPA is highlighted by the 36th running of the Fourstardave Handicap (G1) for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the inner turf.

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

Best of luck!

Race 7: Allowance for 3-year-olds and upward going 7 furlongs on the dirt OFF TURF

#2 Plot the Dots has done well at this distance in the past and tries turf for the second time in his career. #6 Chase Tracker makes his first start in his new barn for Nick Zito. Tyler Gaffalione picks up the mount and is winning at 25% on Zito’s runners in the last 365 days. The third place finisher in that race, #8 Kingmeister, is another logical choice. Look for him to get the jump on Lonesome Fugitive.

Race 8:  $62,500 Allowance Optional Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt

It’s hard go argue with a runner who finished behind Cross Border, Mr. Buff and Funny Guy. #1 Blewitt gets back to the dirt where he’s had most of his success and is coupled with #1a Legit in the betting. #2 Growth Engine put forth his best performance in his return to the track in 2020. Look for him to improve in his second start as well. #5 Winston’s Chance should be on the lead in this spot and has a tactical speed advantage over this field. 

Race 9: Fourstardave Handicap (G1) for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the inner turf

#1 Raging Bull just missed in the Maker’s Mark Mile (G1) last time out. #5 Halladay faces the toughest field of his career, but he should be on the front end by himself. #6 Uni maintained position in her 2020 debut but wasn’t able to pass any in the stretch. I like her much better this time around in her second start of the year. #8 Without Parole closed into the Maker’s Mark Mile pace but just ran out of time. Like many of the top runners, he will be coming on late.

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

#1 Letterman takes a drop in class. The rail draw is perfect for him as he’s likely to show speed from the rail. #3 Catorat has two consecutive races at this level that make him very competitive in this spot #5 Battalion was forced to the back of the pack after getting pinched at the start in his last start. He deserves to be given another shot this time around.

THE TICKET

$0.50 Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 2,6,8 / 1-1A,2,5 / 1,5,6,8 / 1,3,5 – $54

Saratoga August 22, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Saratoga

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Del Mar