Ricky’s Rockets ?: Gulfstream Park and Saratoga Picks for August 20, 2020

If you were paying attention on Wednesday night, I played Canterbury Park right here!  We absolutely crushed it bringing home multiple Pick 3’s and Pick 4’s on one of the biggest nights of the year. I absolutely love both cards today as well! Wednesday’s Bolton Landing Stakes lived up to the hype. Thursday’s feature is the Tale of the Cat Stakes for 4-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt.

Also included below: my 9-race preview of Gulfstream Park!

Best of luck!

Race 6: $40,000 Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 5 1/2 furlongs on the outer turf

#1 Go Rudy Go gets back to facing claiming competition where he’s proven to have success in the past. #3 Red Mule makes his first start at Saratoga in his career for Rob Atras. Atras had him before Jorge Navarro and has done good work with him. He’s a much better turf runner and he should enjoy getting back to the grass. #4 Wild William will need to do better to win, but has shown he can be competitive at this level. #8 Jack of Clubs makes his first start for Michael Miceli. John Velazquez was aboard two starts back when he broke his maiden in his fifth career start.

Race 7: Tale of the Cat Stakes for 4-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Stan the Man was impressive last time out in the True North Stakes (G2) when he lost to Firenze Fire at Belmont. He is the horse to beat based on that effort. #4 My Boy Tate will try his luck once again for Michelle Nevin. #5 Binkster is looking for his first win since 2019 for Raymond Handal and Dark Horse Racing Stable. He will need a big effort to beat Stan the Man as Dylan Davis is aboard again.

Race 8: $40,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 5 1/2 furlongs on the outer turf

#5 Speightstown Gal just missed at this level last time out for George Weaver. She makes a lot of sense as she showed speed last time out and will be on the lead once again. #7 Lead Guitar broke her maiden in dominant fashion last summer here at Saratoga. Since moving to Eddie Kenneally’s barn, she hasn’t quite looked the same. She looks to be a vulnerable but playable favorite on paper.

Race 9: $25,000 Claiming for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#1 Dark Money has been dominant at the claiming ranks no matter the level. This is the lowest level he’s run at in a while and will be tough to beat. #3 Wushu Warrior made his first start after a long layoff on August 2. He can close and there’s a lot of early speed in this race. #5 Eye Luv Lulu will need to be on the front end to win. He’s showed speed against much tougher, but that was many months ago back at Aqueduct. #6 Foolish Ghost win at this level two starts back. His last start will muddy up what appears to be solid races on paper.

THE TICKET

$0.50 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 1,3,4,8 / 2,4,5 / 5,7 / 1,3,5,6 – $48

Saratoga August 20, 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: Gulfstream