Ricky’s Rockets ?: Gulfstream Park, Oaklawn Park and Santa Anita Picks for January 31, 2020

Ricky’s Rockets? was back at it on Saturday afternoon! I’m not sure what it is, but the bigger the days, the better we are. It was a tough day at Gulfstream and Oaklawn, but we made it back with a clean sweep at Santa Anita. It pays to press your opinions! Let’s close the week strong and close out the month on a high note!

Also included below: my 11-race preview of Gulfstream Park and 9-race preview at Oaklawn Park.

Best of luck!

Santa Anita January 31, 2020

Race 5: $16,000-$12,500 Claiming for fillies and mares 4-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#5 Info’s Treasure gets back to what looks to be her best track on paper. She’s finished in the money in 4/7 starts and has clearly had the most success here. This would also go down as Ian Kruljac’s first win at the meet. #6 Midnight Jamboree faced winners for the first time and did a pretty good job representing herself. A lot of the other runners have failed at this level but this mare deserves another chance.

Race 6: Allowance for California-bred fillies and mares 4-year-olds and upward going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the turf

#8 Kleen Karma hasn’t fared well at this distance in the past so putting her on top is a tough ask. She finished third by just a couple of lengths last time out so she certainly belongs. #9 Rose’s Crystal took 9 races to finally break her maiden for Carla Gaines. She consistently got better but will face winners for the first time. This will be her toughest test by quite a large margin.

Race 7: $20,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for California-bred fillies and mares going 7 furlongs on the dirt

#5 Homehome hasn’t won a race in almost a year when she was sprinting on the turf. She’s done better on the turf since that race, and will look to regain her form. #7 Kristi’s Tiger is in the best form of her life including a second-place finish at this level. She will be asked to go an extra furlong in this race, but she won going 8 furlongs over the summer.

Race 8: $50,000-$40,000 Maiden Claiming for 4-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs on the turf

#4 Midnight Mystery has established that he belongs at this level, but he probably should’ve won last time out at 6/5. He also faces a tougher field this time around considering he’s not the morning-line favorite. #7 McWherter drops in for a tag for the first time after two straight defeats at the Maiden Special Weight level. She’s one of two runners to have never run for a tag.

THE TICKET

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

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

Ricky’s Rockets: Santa Anita