Ricky’s Rockets ?: Del Mar, Gulfstream Park and Saratoga Picks for August 28, 2020

A massive day at Gulfstream as Ricky’s Rockets swept the card and brought home the late $700 Pick 5 and a $1,050 Rainbow 6! Let’s continue that momentum on this Friday afternoon, as Saratoga welcomes us with two stakes races on the card: The NYSSS Times Square for 3-year-olds on the dirt and the Lake George Stakes (G3) for 3-year-old fillies on the inner turf.

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

Best of luck!

Race 7: $62,500 Allowance Optional Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 5 1/2 furlongs on the outer turf

#2 Sayyaaf got a horrible trip last time out and gets Jose Ortiz aboard who ranks second in the jockey standings with 42 wins. #10 Fast Getaway is one of the long shots to watch. He moves up in class but has enough early speed to stay with this group.

Race 8: Allowance for 3-year-olds and upward going 7 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Irish Front used the experience from his debut and made the most of it as he dominated in his most recent start on July 23. He faces winners for the first time, but he has the looks of one of Todd Pletcher’s (wins leader for trainers at the meet) up and coming stars. #6 Wild Medagliad’oro will get back to the dirt for Mark Casse. I’ve tried to stay away from Casse’s runners since he’s 1/32 at the meet, but this 4-year-old colt is too good to leave off of any ticket.

Race 9: Lake George Stakes (G3) for 3-year-old fillies going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the inner turf

#1 Sweet Melania returned in fine form as a 3-year-old when she took the field by storm in the Wonder Again Stakes (G3). She is the filly to beat as she looks to make it 2 in a row. #3 Witez is a true turf-miler. In her 3 starts at this distance, she’s compiled 2 wins and a third. There is a lot of speed signed up for this race, so her come from behind style should suit her well in this spot.

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

#6 Beyond Brown made 1 start at this level last time out on August 5, a race that was scheduled for the turf. I’m interested in her ability running on the grass for the first time in for a tag. #8 Cainudothetwist was impressive in her debut. She closed well into a slow pace and will be the favorite in her second start.

THE TICKET

$5 Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 2,10 / 2 / 1,3 / 6,8 – $40

Saratoga August 28, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Saratoga

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Del Mar