Ricky’s Rockets ?: Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs Picks for December 24, 2020

Ricky’s Rockets? invades Florida as we look to strike the day before Christmas. There aren’t many tracks open on Thursday afternoon but I’ve got both of them covered!

Also included below: my 9-race preview of Tampa Bay Downs.

Best of luck!

Race 7: Starter Allowance for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the turf

#5 Jabuticaba wants to be on the lead but she hasn’t been able to in her most recent races due to the level of competition. She should enjoy getting back to a race that looks much more manageable on paper for her. #6 Zodiac Princess will also want to be on the lead, but she’s shown the ability to sit off the lead if necessary. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her sit right off of Jabuticaba. 

Race 8: $12,500-$10,500 Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 7 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Captain D continues to take a plunge in the Claiming ranks as he looks to capture his first victory of the year. This is simply a value play considering the rest of the field doesn’t stand out in my opinion. The most consistent runner in this field is #5 Taamer hasn’t finished in the money in any of his races going 7 furlongs but he finished second going 1 mile and 70 yards last month. He proved he can go this distance with that effort last time out. 

Race 9: $16,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for Florida-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 5 furlongs on the turf

#2 Riches Great Girl has shown she’s much better on the turf than on the dirt. She will look to continue her momentum as she searches for her second win in a row. #11 Song River rides for one of the more unknown trainers in Cherie Devaux who has finished in the money with all of her runners. Her runners come to Gulfstream with a purpose and at 6/1, that’s a price I sign up for.

Race 10: $16,000 Claiming for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 5 furlongs on the turf

#11 Subsidiary was sitting off of the pace like Awsum Roar, but she was still too close to the meltdown up front. She finished well but will be a little closer as they turn for home, with a chance to get the jump on her competition.

THE TICKET

$5 Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 5,6 / 2,5/ 2,11 / 11 – $40

Gulfstream Park December 24, 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: Tampa Bay Downs