Ricky’s Rockets ?: Del Mar, Saratoga, and Woodbine Picks for July 25, 2020

We’re back for an 11-race Saratoga card, highlighted by the Ballston Spa Stakes (G2) and the Vanderbilt Handicap (G1). Will Volatile continue dominating his competition, or will the 7-year-old Whitmore have something to say about it?

Also included below: my 11-race preview of Del Mar and my 8-race preview of Woodbine.

Best of luck!

Race 8: $62.5k Optional Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt

#1A Money Moves absolutely dominated his first 2 career starts and comes paired with his graded stakes-winning stablemate #1 You’re to Blame. #3 Parsimony gets class relief after facing Improbable and Tacitus in his last 2 starts. #5 I Love Jaxson should look vastly improved second off of the layoff. #6 Prioritize has finished in the money in 7 of his 12 career starts. #7 Leitone is one of the few runners who has performed well after leaving Jason Servis’ barn/pharmacy and runs first off the claim for new trainer Oscar Barrera III.

Race 9: Allowance for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the outer turf

#3 Simply returns to routing after running out of time in a sprint last month. #4 Barleewon finally borke his maiden at fifth asking last time out and could take another step forward if the lightbulb turned on. #7 Mo Ready returns to the track for the first time since last December and should finally catch a firm turf course, something that has evaded him in his last 2 starts. #12 Stanhope makes his first start for new trainer Brad Cox (a 24% move) in his 2020 debut.

Race 10: Vanderbilt Handicap (G1) for 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Whitmore is extremely consistent and won the local Forego Stakes (G1) in 2018. #4 Volatile has won his last 3 starts by open lengths and could establish himself as the sprint division leader with another impressive vitory here.

Race 11: $40k Maiden Claiming for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the inner turf

#5 Timeless Journey drops down for a tag for the first time, and both trainer Christophe Clement and jockey Joel Rosario currently lead their respective divisions in wins at the meet. #6 Micromillion leaves the dirt and adds blinkers for the first time. #10 Baby Girl showed speed at 6 furlongs in her last start and may try to wire the field.

THE TICKET

50¢ PICK 4 (Races 8-11) 1-1A,3,5,6,7 / 3,4,7,12 / 2,4 / 5,6,10 – $60

Saratoga, July 25, 2020

For my full card plays, featuring race-by-race analysis, my top four picks for each race, and full-card multi-race wagers, check out my new product below:

Ricky’s Rockets: Saratoga

Ricky’s Rockets: Woodbine

Ricky’s Rockets: Del Mar