Ricky’s Rockets 🚀: Gulfstream Park and Oaklawn Park Picks for March 18, 2021

Ricky’s Rockets🚀 heads towards a brand new week of racing, headlined by the Louisiana Derby (G2) and the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) on Saturday afternoon. Oaklawn Park was the highlight of last weekend, and we kick the action off this week from there as well. Live racing from Gulfstream and Oaklawn to kick off the racing week, as we look to build our bankrolls all over again!

Also included below: my 10-race preview of Gulfstream Park and 9-race preview of Oaklawn Park.

Best of luck!

Gulfstream Park March 18, 2021

Race 7: Starter Allowance for fillies and mares 4-year-olds and upward going 5 furlongs on the turf

#2 Sanity leaves Kelly Breen’s barn and enters Mike Maker’s barn, as she gets back to sprinting here. Luckily for her, Payntdembluesaway isn’t in this race. She will need to hope the race breaks down up front, because she will be very far back. #3 Awsum Roar is another mare that will be looking for breathtaking speed up front. She likes to come from well out of it, similar to Sanity.

Race 8: $25,000 Starter Optional Claiming for 3-year-olds going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#6 Braccio Di Ferro looked very strong going 8 furlongs for the first time in his career. It was at this level, against the other main competitor that can give him trouble. Junior Alvarado certainly did a good job with him as well, getting him toward the lead and putting him in a position to win. #8 Khozando ran a very similar race to Braccio Di Ferro, and that’s why I put these two on top. He did much better against Braccio Di Ferro when they were sprinting, but this is simply too close to call.

Race 9: $16,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for Florida-bred 4-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the turf

#2 Freedom Matters has finished in the money in 18/24 races in his career, but 15/18 in the money finishes saw him finish in second or third. He’s too consistent to leave off of any tickets, but tends to run with the pack and not cross the wire first. #8 Kroy finished ahead of Freedom Matters last time out at this level. I expect him to run better here, in his second start for Danny Gargan.

Race 10: $12,500 Claiming for fillies and mares 4-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the turf

#7 Sylvanella hasn’t been the same since we saw her break her maiden a year ago for Christophe Clement. Something was clearly wrong with her given the time away from the track, but I’m hoping she can find some relief on the drop down in class. #9 Mercy Mercy looks to be getting better and better as her time with Robert Hess Jr. continues. This is the weakest field she’s ever faced in her career as well.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 2,3 / 6,8 / 2,8 / 7,9 – $48

50¢ Pick 4 (7-10) 1,2,3,4,5 / 4,6,8 / 2,8 / 1,7,9 – $45

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 product below:

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Oaklawn Park