Ricky’s Rockets 🚀: Del Mar, Kentucky Downs and Saratoga Picks for September 5, 2021

Ricky’s Rockets 🚀 attacked the final Saturday from Del Mar and Saratoga with vengeance, but the weekend isn’t over. With Labor Day looming, we have TWO more days of racing! For the first time in a year, we are live from Kentucky Downs as well. If you like turf racing, this is the track for you! There are twists and turns all over the place, and we are guaranteed to see some massive prices get home.

Also included below: my 11-race preview of Del Mar, 11-race preview of Kentucky Downs, and 12-race preview of Saratoga!

Saratoga September 5, 2021

Race 9: Starter Allowance for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the inner turf

#2 Baseline Drive makes her way from Gulfstream Park, to make her debut at Saratoga. This is a similar level to what she’s been facing, but the runners here will be much better. #9 Mopolka was scratched out of a race earlier in the week, and now finds herself making her third start of the meet. She will look to take this field gate-to-wire.

Race 10: $80,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt

#2 Mystic Night should have the opportunity to repeat at this level, while getting back to a fast main track. Prior to his last race, he had won two in a row for Chad Brown. #3 Danny California made two starts within a week for Rudy Rodriguez last month. This is the proper layoff as he makes his 41st career start.

Race 11: Spinaway Stakes (G1) for 2-year-old fillies going 7 furlongs on the dirt

#3 Echo Zulu was one of the better first time starters this meet, and she will try to cap it off with a win at the stakes level. She’s going to be one of the favorites, but she will have plenty of competition with #5 Pretty Birdie. She’s won two races in a row, including the Schuylerville Stakes (G3) in July. She’s only shown she can win going gate-to-wire.

Race 12: Allowance for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 5 1/2 furlongs on the Melon turf

#1 Veterans Beach ran arguably his best race last time out, in his first start of the year. Look for him to take some big strides forward in his second start off of the layoff. #6 King Angelo faces winners for the first time as the 4/5 favorite. Luis Saez takes over, while Joel Rosario is riding at Kentucky Downs.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 9-12) 2,9 / 2,3 / 3,5 / 1,6 – $48

50¢ Pick 4 (Races 9-12)  1,2,4,9,11 / 2,3,6 / 3,5 / 1,6,7 – $45

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: Kentucky Downs

Ricky’s Rockets: Saratoga