Ricky’s Rockets ?: Gulfstream Park West and Keeneland Picks for October 15, 2020

Wednesday was a great start to a great week. Let’s continue the momentum on Thursday afternoon at Keeneland. The feature on the card is the Sycamore Stakes (G3) for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/2 miles (12 furlongs) on the turf.

Also included below: my 8-race preview of Gulfstream Park West!

Best of luck!

Race 6: Allowance for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf

#4 Lady Worthington comes out of a race where she finished third against some of the runners she will see in this spot. She has never won at this distance, but there is a lot of pace in this race. Irad Ortiz Jr. wasn’t able to get her to the lead last time out, where she’s most comfortable. #12 Originator was one of those runners that Lady Worthington saw last time out at Kentucky Downs on September 9. She likes to come from off of the pace, which is always an interesting proposition at such a short distance.

Race 7: Allowance for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 3/16 miles (9 1/2 furlongs) on the dirt

#5 Letmeno has finished in the money in 4/7 starts on the dirt in his career. The connections tried him over the summer on the turf, which didn’t turn out to be a good experiment. Hopefully he can run a similar race he ran in the Iowa Derby two starts back. #9 Spa City was last seen when he ran against King Guillermo in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) back in March. He has had seven months off since his last start, and now makes his first start for Brad Cox after running for Kiaran McLaughlin.

Race 8: Sycamore Stakes (G3) for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/2 miles (12 furlongs) on the turf

#2 Red Knight has proven he could run this distance when he ran in the Elkhorn Stakes (G2) last year here at Keeneland. It’s safe to say 12 furlongs won’t be an issue for the Bill Mott trainee. #6 Aquaphobia finished third in the Sword Dancer Stakes (G1) over a soft turf course over the summer. This is a much softer field than that race.

Race 9: $20,000 Beaten Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

#3 Street Class hasn’t won a race since his debut back in 2019, but the competition has been much better. He only has one in the money finish in 2020, which came back in January. This will be the deciding factor if his best form is behind him, or if he was in way over his head. #7 Major Attraction faced winners for the first time on September 17 on the turf. He broke his maiden on the turf, but has quality dirt starts that make him competitive in this spot.

THE TICKET

$3 Pick 4 (Races 5-8) 4,12 / 5,9 / 2,6 / 3,7 – $48

Keeneland October 15, 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: Keeneland

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park West