Ricky’s Rockets ?: Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park Picks for December 27, 2020

Ricky’s Rockets? certainly enjoyed going to Louisiana for the first time. We’ve never been at the Fair Grounds before, but I’m sure happy we did. Opening day at Santa Anita was special as well with 6 stakes races on Saturday afternoon. Let’s cash some tickets from Gulfstream and Santa Anita as we approach the final days of the year.

Also included below: my 10-race preview of Santa Anita.

Best of luck!

Race 8: $25,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the turf

#7 Princesa Caroline comes into this race with a ton of class considering he ran in the Jimmy Durante Stakes (G3) last time out. She figures to take a lot of the money in this spot for Chad Brown. #11 Setting the Mood also comes out of a tough stakes race on the turf. She did break her maiden here at Gulfstream Park the last time she was here back in May. 

Race 9: $6,250 Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 5 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#4 Vincent William won with ease the last time he ran at Gulfstream Park back in June. He isn’t in the same form he was once in when he ran for Larry Rivelli over the summer, but he should run well here. #8 Fort King is quicker and better than the rest of this field. He won’t be kept from taking the lead early on, but how much damage does he do to himself trying to get the top spot. If someone challenges him, it could be an issue but I don’t see that being a problem here.

Race 10: $25,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the turf

#11 Gauguin tried the Allowance races on the NYRA circuit but he proved time and time again he simply isn’t good enough. This is still a tough spot, but his previous efforts in New York do make him extremely tough to beat here. #12 Churn N Burn has been to Gulfstream before, but has never run on the turf here in Florida. He’s been close to winning on the grass before, but he’s still looking for his first win. 

Race 11: Starter Allowance for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the turf

#6 Belgrano has been sprinting in his most recent races, but he’s had success going longer. I don’t want to hold his last race against him since he was out classed. Look for him to get back on track as he drops in class. #8 Projected will look to make it two in a row after his win at the $12,500 last time out. He tends not to be able to repeat performances, but he has finished in the top two in 10/14 races at this distance. 8/1 is a nice price on him in a wide open field.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 8-11) 7,1 / 4,8 / 11,12 / 6,8 – $48

Gulfstream Park December 27, 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 product below:

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park

Ricky’s Rockets: Santa Anita