Ricky’s Rockets 🚀: Del Mar, Gulfstream Park and Saratoga Picks for July 23, 2021

#RickysRockets🚀 got going again on Thursday afternoon from Saratoga, after being so close on Wednesday afternoon. As we start the long weekend on Friday afternoon, we get racing from Del Mar and Gulfstream Park back! We are headed towards a big weekend in the sport, and this is just the beginning of it!

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

Saratoga July 23, 2021

Race 7: $16,000 Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#7 Papa Smooth has the chance to make it two in a row coming off an impressive win last time out. It looks like Joe Sharp has been able to get the most out of him lately. #8 Deputy Flag takes a big drop in class down to this $16,000 event. His early speed should play extremely well, as many of these runners aren’t going to be good enough to catch him.

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

#5 Colormepazzi looked good in his race against Claiming competition, but this will be a step up in class. On his best day, he’s more than good enough to compete with the likes of #6 Big Bobby. Big Bobby broke his debut over a muddy track on May 31, so there are a few questions to be answered. How will he do against winners, and how will he do over a fast track?

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

#5 Jouster has been superb since coming to the turf, but she didn’t run her best effort in the Wonder Again Stakes (G3) last time out. She will have to contend with #10 Minaun, who has been great since coming to the United States. If Manny Franco can navigate the first turn, she’s going to be one who has a good shot at a solid price.

Race 10: $50,000 Maiden Claiming for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 5 1/2 furlongs on the Melon turf

#3 Epicurean stays on the turf after her third place finish at this level last month. Let’s see if she can get the lead and hold on with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard. #7 Code Name Lise may shock some people, but the pedigree makes a lot of sense. She also has been a lot quicker than some of the others in the mornings as well.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 7,8 / 5,6 / 5,10 / 3,7 – $48

50¢ Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 7,8 / 5,6,7 / 2,3,5,6,8,10 / 2,3,7  – $54

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