Charles Town picks and analysis: July 11

Photo by Allison Janezic.

Charles Town has an eight-race Saturday card. Post time is the normal 7:00 p.m. Good luck!

RACE 1

2-3-4-7

 In this one-turn maiden special weight dash for two-year-olds, #2 Da Bozak (7-2 ML) arrives off a pair of ‘bullet’ works over the track after two modest works at Laurel for trainer Crystal Pickett. #3 Just Nod and Smile (6-1) is a Verrazano colt who has worked well from the gate for trainer Greg Viands. Pickett will also send out #4 Frankie Merch (4-1) another Verrazano colt, while Laurel invader #7 Merchant of Hope (8-5) will break from the favorable outside stall for trainer Phil Schoenthal.

RACE 2

1-4-6-2 

#1 Tuition Plan (7-5) exits an allowance race for trainer Anthony Lucas and drops back in for a tag in this spot. #6 Best to be Me (8-5) should definitely make her presence known in this affair for trainer Javier Contreras. Both #4 Mojo Matters (6-1) and #2 Coplanquikzip (5-1) drew between the top two choices and either one could certainly split the top pair for the exacta.

RACE 3

6-4-3-7 

One-turn maiden $5,000 claiming event looks primed for an upset. #3 Brian’s Avenue (7-5) makes his local debut for trainer David Walters after seven starts at Gulfstream Park, while #7 Jimmy Legs (7-2) drops out of maiden $40,000 claimers at Laurel in February after making his debut in the Jamestown Stakes at Colonial Downs last fall. But locals #4 Bret’s Legacy (5-2) for Crystal Pickett and #6 Bondaro (6-1) a Montana-bred trained by Marion Cuttino, arrive lightly raced and both will be prominent in the late stages

RACE 4

2-3-6-4

In a competitive group of $5,000 claimers for fillies and mares going one turn, #2 Swiss Yodeler (4-1) has been second in each of her last two starts for trainer Ronney Brown and looks poised to break through here. #3 Estate Of Sonde (2-1) makes his second start back following an 11-month layoff for trainer John Carlisle. #4 What You Own (7-2) makes his seasonal debut for trainer Billy Ray Davis and #6 We Love Nanni (3-1) seeks her straight score after prevailing last out for owner-trainer John McKee.

RACE 5

2-7-8-6 

#2 Carpe Amorina (2-1) has been second in each of her last three starts for trainer Ernest Haynes and should graduate in this one-turn maiden special weight event for distaffers. #7 Lanesborough (5-2) has been third and fourth in her last two starts for trainer Javier Contreras since debuting at Gulfstream Park. #8 Mongolian Angel (5-1) drew the favorable outside stall in her career debut for trainer Doug Adams, while #6 Full Faith (6-1) returns off a year layoff for trainer Vernon Greaves

RACE 6

3-6-4-2

#3 Fancy Concho (2-1) graduated nicely last out for trainer Tim Grams and seeks his second straight while facing winners for the first time. #6 Night Train Wayne (5-1) has been second once and third twice in last three tries against allowance foes for trainer Ed Tobin. #4 Fibertown (9-2) and another Grams trainee #2 He’s One The Line (3-1) will look to rebound from dull effort against winners following triumphant career debut.

RACE 7

3-8-9-6 

#3 Not a Trick (7-5) could be the shortest priced favorite of the night after winning by five lengths last out for trainer Kevin Patterson. #8 Arya Peaceful (9-2) has been second once in three winless outings this year for trainer Anthony Farrior. #9 Truffles And Gold (8-1) has yet to win in four starts this year but draws the favorable outside slot for trainer Keturah Obed-Letts. #6 Barnstorm (10-1) was a sharp second versus $10,000 claimers last out and makes first start for trainer Mark Racconelli.

RACE 8

9-4-10-3 

#10 Awesome Agenda (5-2) looms the tepid favorite for trainer Richard Sillaman but will have to overcome outside draw in this two-turn event for $5,000 claimers. #4 Talent Scout (3-1) makes local debut after starts at a trio of New York tracks for trainer Kieron Magee. #9 Gio Lemon (7-2) has been second in his last three starts and four times in six starts this year for trainer Neil Morris. #3 Cashton Peak (10-1) has been second once, third twice and fourth once in his last four outings for trainer Jeff Allen and benefits from an inside draw.

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