Ricky’s Rockets ?: Del Mar, Gulfstream Park and Saratoga Picks for August 30, 2020

It was tough to string multiple sequences together, but we got a ton of top choices home at all three tracks yesterday. Hopefully we can get some of the momentum back we had on Thursday and Friday. Once again, Saratoga was a spectacle to watch on Saturday afternoon with great performances across the board regardless of the weather. The racing doesn’t stop there; Sunday has a 10-race card highlighted by the Shuvee Stakes (G3) for fillies and mares 4-year-olds and upward going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt.

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

Best of luck!

Race 7: $40,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the inner turf

#1 Short Pour never got the start needed to run a quality race last time out. Going into that, he was undefeated at Saratoga. Breaking from the rail here should help. #4 Pecatonica got steadied with 1/8 of a mile to go in her last start at this level. If top jockey Joel Rosario can find room in the stretch, watch out.

Race 8: Allowance for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#3 Inside Info will try this class for the second time in a row after he finished a quality fourth on August 5. #4 Gandy Dancing  will be the runner to beat as he looks to win at this level for the second time in a row. #7 Three Jokers will try this level for the third time in a row. He was able to show that his best efforts in the future could be on the dirt. #10 Riken will be on the lead if his past races are any indication. This should out him in a prime position as they break from the gate.

Race 9: Shuvee Stakes (G3) for fillies and mares 4-year-olds and upward going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt

#3 Letruska is the filly to beat based on her past races alone. She dueled with Serengetti Empress in the Ballerina (G1) and the fact she finished 5th is a compliment in itself. If someone pushes Letruska early on, #9 Royal Flag may be there to pick up the pieces. This will be her first start at Saratoga and will look to get back to her winning ways after finishing a distant third in the Molly Pitcher (G3).

Race 10: Maiden Special Weight for 2-year-olds going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the outer turf

#1 Venerable ran into much better horses last time out. He still may not be good enough but bettors won’t be getting the 21/1 they did in his debut on August 1 as he switches to turf. #3 Modern Science took the lead briefly in the stretch, but couldn’t hold on last time out at Saratoga and should use that experience as he looks to win this time around. #4 Shirelle makes his first start for Chad Brown, who’s winning at 18% with first-time starters and 24% with 2-year-olds as a whole in the last 365 days.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 1,4 / 3,4,7,10 / 3 / 1,3,4 – $72

Saratoga August 30, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Saratoga

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Del Mar