Ricky’s Rockets ?: Gulfstream Park West and Keeneland Picks for October 22, 2020

Wednesday was a great start to a great week. Let’s continue the momentum on Thursday afternoon at Keeneland. The countdown to the Breeders’ Cup from Lexington, Kentucky rolls on!

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

Best of luck!

Race 6: Allowance for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the turf

#7 Current hasn’t run his best races as of late but has been good here at Keeneland. He owns a win over this turf course and has finished in the money in 2/3 starts. Todd Pletcher will look to see improvement from his four year old in this start. #8 Sabador is looking for his first win here in the United States. It’s yet to be seen what his best distance is, but he’s bred to go long. He’s not in good form but his early speed will put him in a tough position to be caught late.

Race 7: $50,000 Beaten Claiming for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) on the dirt

#3 Sugar Love is the obvious choice in this race as she drops down in class. She finished second at the Claiming ranks here at Keeneland in July and a repeat of that performance will see her in the winners’ circle. #6 Flower House finished second at the $30,000 level at the beginning of the month. Florent Geroux picks up the mount for the second straight race.

Race 8: Allowance for 3-year-olds and upward going about 7 furlongs on the dirt

#2 Silver State is making his first start since the Louisiana Derby (G2) back in March. Things haven’t gone the way the connections had thought, but he still has talent. This is the right spot for him as he makes his return to the track. #3 Blackberry Wine also makes his return off of a long layoff for Joe Sharp. This is his first start since April and he finished second at the $80,000 Allowance Optional Claiming level.

Race 9: Maiden Special Weight for 2-year-olds going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the turf

#7 Wentru took the lead late in his debut down the stretch for Brad Cox. Once he took the lead, he gave way but ran a remarkable race. At 7/2 morning-line odds, he provides value that no one else does in this spot. He has a strong chance to be a favorite for Brad Cox who’s winning at 38% at the meet. #9 Burrow is the other Cox runner in this field. Unlike Wentru he’s unproven on the track and will be making his debut. He looks to be one of the better runners on paper compared to the other debutants.

THE TICKET

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

Keeneland October 22, 2020

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Ricky’s Rockets: Keeneland

Ricky’s Rockets: Gulfstream Park West