Ricky’s Rockets 🚀: Gulfstream Park, Keeneland and Oaklawn Park Picks for April 8, 2021

Ricky’s Rockets🚀 stayed hot on Easter Sunday with a $478 Pick 4 and a $476.50 Pick 5, to help offset the rest of the weekend. That’s exactly the kind of momentum we need to carry us into this week. The Kentucky Derby trail slows down drastically, but the excitement is sure to stay with racing from Arkansas, Florida and Kentucky.

Also included below: my 8-race preview of Gulfstream Park, 9-race preview of Keeneland, 9-race preview of Oaklawn Park!

Best of luck!

Keeneland April 8, 2021

Race 6: Maiden Special Weight for 3-year-olds going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the turf

#7 Alexander Valley has closed the margin of victory in every start, and has looked spectacular on the turf in both of his races. John Velazquez will get his chance with him and will look to break his maiden having been purchased for $2,150,000 in 2019. #12 Southern District was strong in his first start for Chad Brown at Gulfstream Park, but wasn’t able to get the job done. He should be the horse to beat as he makes his second career start. Chad Brown gets Irad Ortiz Jr. as Tyler Gaffalione gets on another runner.

Race 7: $75,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for 3-year-olds going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt

#2 Kinetic Sky may just find himself on the lead if things break his way early on. From his debut, he’s proven time and time again he can go this distance. This will be the first time he goes 9 furlongs in his career. #6 Good Culture broke his maiden over a muddy track on debut, but I’m not sure what we can make of that field. Joel Rosario must’ve liked what he’s heard since he picks up the mount.

Race 8: Allowance for 4-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the turf

#1 Opry isn’t nearly as talented as the other part of the entry #1A Invader, who comes into this spot as an Also Eligible. Opry has run good races in the past, and I’m hoping he can get back to that. Luis Saez should be able to get enough speed out of him early on to not be too far back. #9 Silenced faced Opry on January 23 at Gulfstream Park, in a race that was only decided by 2 lengths. Silenced can go gate-to-wire but he will have to overcome a decent sized layoff. Adam Beschizza is looking for his first win as a rider after going 0/7 in the first week of the meet.

Race 9: $40,000 Maiden Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt

#1 Cornbread Hill is one of three runners in this race that will attempt to win on debut. The difference between him and the others, is they don’t have Wesley Ward or John Velazquez in their corner. I’m a little wary of him considering he drop in for a tag, but maybe the fact he’s a homebred means they’re willing to let him go. #4 Perspective looked much different in his 2021 race for Danny Gargan, and I expect him to be even better with some fitness in him. He’s one to watch out for.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 7,12 / 2,6 / 1-1A,9 / 1,4 – $48

50¢ Pick 4 (6-9) 5,7,8,10,12 / 2,6 / 1-1A,9,11 / 1,4,8 – $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: Keeneland

Ricky’s Rockets: Oaklawn Park