Ricky’s Rockets 🚀: Del Mar, Gulfstream Park and Saratoga Picks for July 18, 2021

In one of the best day in #RickysRockets🚀 history, we swept🧹 the card on Saturday afternoon at Saratoga. Both Pick 4’s ($295.25), three Pick 5’s ($2,552.25) and the $1 Pick 6 ($818.50)! Nothing better than going 11/11 with 5 on top winners! As horse racing fans we get spoiled this time of year, but we always remember weekends like this one. All of the stakes races on Saturday were phenomenal, but we do have one more day of racing before we wrap up opening weekend across the country.

Also included below: my 11-race preview of Del Mar, 10-race preview of Gulfstream Park, 10-race preview of Saratoga!

Saratoga July 18, 2021

Race 7: Maiden Special Weight for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 7 furlongs on the dirt

#3 Mezcal is one of a few first time starters in this race, but the pedigree on this filly is truly spectacular. This daughter by Pioneer of the Nile is going to be special for Todd Pletcher. #9 Perfect Grace has finished second in two straight races, but she still is a tough filly. Tyler Gaffalione takes over as she makes her New York debut.

Race 8: $45,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#3 Pleasure Luck comes off of a big win last time out for Mark Hennig. She will have a strong chance to make it two in a row as she climbs the ladder. #8 Awesome Debate makes the move from Charlie Baker’s barn to Danny Gargan’s barn. Luis Saez should have no issue getting her to the lead right from the start.

Race 9: Coronation Cup Stakes for 3-year-old fillies going 5 1/2 furlongs on the dirt OFF TURF

With this race off of the turf, I will be using #6 Shop Girl and #9 Farsighted!

Race 10: $20,000 Maiden Claiming for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#9 Morning Cocktail was horrible on debut, but at least she only has one start under her belt. That can’t be said for all of the other horses in the race. #10 Before You drops in class for Bill Mott who hasn’t been able to get this filly going. She has been on the dirt, the turf and has gone two turns. Jose Ortiz getting aboard could be a good sign though, in what looks to be a bad race on paper.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 3,9 / 3,8 / 6,9 / 9,10 – $48

50¢ Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 1,3,9 / 3,6,8 / 2,4,6,9 / 9,10  – $36

My product is now on the Handicapping Products Page! To purchase, click one of the links below to go to the products page. My product includes full card plays, featuring race-by-race analysis, my top four picks for each race, and full-card multi-race wagers. Check it out below:

Ricky’s Rockets: Del Mar

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Saratoga