Ricky’s Rockets ?: Lone Star and Saratoga Picks for July 29, 2020

We are back at Saratoga for a 10-race program, where the Wednesday feature is the Dayatthespa Stakes for New York-bred fillies and mares going 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the inner turf.

Also included below: my 9-race preview of Lone Star Park FOR FREE.

Best of luck!

Race 7: $62,500 Allowance Optional Claiming for 3-year-olds and upward going 5 1/2 furlongs on the outer turf

#4 Sayyaaf has failed to impress as a heavy favorite on multiple occasions, but he does own a win over the local track and is extremely talented. However, I’m slightly skeptical as he’s failed to hold onto the lead on too many occasions, so I’m not singling him. #6 Mick’s Star has shown speed at similar levels at Churchill Downs and could do the same thing here. Similarly, #8 Vici will try to do the same. He’s run well here in the past and trainer David Donk on the turf is a decent angle (10% with his past 221 grass runners).

Race 8: Allowance for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt

#2 Bebe Banker absolutely rolled in his last start as a heavy favorite against $25k claimers, but one has to wonder if he is really an allowance runner. He hasn’t fared well at this level in the past. #4 Microscope returned to the track off of a layoff on a sloppy track. He could improve in this one at a price for Gary Sciacca. #6 Blackjack Davey drastically improved from his first start to his second. Will he do the same in his first start against winners? #8 Danny California will need to take a step up to beat the top competitors in this field, but he has 2 wins and a second from 4 starts at this distance. 

Race 9: $150,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for 4-year-olds and upward going 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) on the inner turf

#2 Therapist won his 2020 debut in the First Defence Stakes, his seventh at that level. #3 Gidu has a speed advantage over this group that won’t be matched, but is can he control it long enough to win? #7 Breaking the Rules dazzled in his 2020 return last time out and should improve in his second start back. #8 Devamani has faced Instilled Regard twice in his last two starts. He is the class of the field as he makes his way back to the SPA.

Race 10: Maiden Special Weight for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward going 5 1/2 furlongs on the outer turf

The Madaket Stable duo of #1 Zaccapa and #1A Sevnteeneightysevn are going to be tough to beat. I prefer the latter, who ran well on debut and should improve in her second start. #4 Sequin finished second on 3 occasions last year, races that are good enough to win here. #6 Spectacularsunrise makes her career debut for trainer Chad Brown, who has a 22% win rate with first-time starters.

THE TICKET

$0.50 Pick 4 (Races 7-10) 4,6,8 / 2,4,6,8 / 2,3,7,8 / 1-1A,4,6 – $72

Saratoga July 29, 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: Saratoga

Ricky’s Rockets: Lone Star Park

DOWNLOAD FREE