Ricky’s Rockets ?: Del Mar, Gulfstream Park and Saratoga Picks for August 29, 2020

That’s two days in a row that Ricky’s Rockets have cashed multiple Pick 4’s and Pick 5’s on the same day. Gulfstream and Saratoga have been kind to everyone as of late, and I don’t see the momentum changing anytime soon! Saturday stakes action rolls on at Saratoga four stakes races are on the card. The stakes schedule includes the Amsterdam (G2), the Forego (G1), the Saranac (G3). and the Sword Dancer (G1).

Also included below: my 11-race preview of Del Mar and 12-race preview of Gulfstream Park!

Best of luck!

Race 8: Forego Stakes (G1) for 4-year-olds and upward going 7 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Whitmore did everything he could to win here in the Vanderbilt (G1) but ultimately finished second behind the great Volatile, probably the best sprinter in the country. He won this race in 2018 and is one of the best horses around. #6 Complexity makes his second career start at Saratoga for Chad Brown who as a trainer is winning at 22% of stakes races in the last 365 days. If Whitmore runs his best race, no one will beat him, but Complexity looks second-best on paper.

Race 9: Sword Dancer Stakes (G1) for 4-year-olds and upward going 1 1/2 miles (12 furlongs) on the inner turf

#6 Cross Border absolutely loves Saratoga, winning all 5 of his career races here. He placed first in the Bowling Green (G2) last time out when Sadler’s Joy was DQ’d. #8 Sadler’s Joy wants longer distances and wants revenge in this race after finishing second in last year’s running. 

Race 10: Maiden Special Weight for 2-year-old fillies going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Always Carina is a Three Chimneys Farm homebred for Chad Brown  Brown is winning at 19% in the last 365 days with first-time starters. #3 Jouster is interesting based on her pedigree. She’s by Noble Mission, whose highest-earning progeny is Code of Honor, who won at Saratoga as a 2-year-old in his first start.  Trainer Todd Pletcher teams up with John Velazquez; they’ve won 17% of their races together in the last 365 days. #5 Zainalarab is another Chad Brown debutant for Shadwell Stable. She was purchased last September for $1 million. #7 O’Gotten Girl got some experience in her debut, going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf and finishing third at over 28/1. It’s fair to expect some improvement, as her experience from her first start should carry over into her second star.

Race 11: Allowance for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#6 Flashpackinbarbie never had a chance against a heavy favorite last time out. Jorge Abreu is winning at 30% this meet as a trainer and figures to have one of the top choices in this spot. #7 Midnight Surprise won with relative ease last time out as Irad Ortiz Jr. had her geared down in the stretch. Due to his injury, Joel Rosario picks up the mount, who is a like-for-like switch based on his stats and ability. This could be a stepping stone to bigger and better things for Midnight Surprise down the road.

THE TICKET

$5 Pick 4 (Races 8-11) 2 / 6,8 / 2,3,5,7 / 6,7 – $40

Saratoga August 29, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Saratoga

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Del Mar