Charles Town picks and analysis: July 18

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

7-5-4-3

#7 Cedar Run’s Fire (7-2 ML) gets favorable post switch in this maiden $5,000 claiming event for fillies and mares and should improve on third-place effort last time against similar. #5 Happy Freedom (5-2) edged the top pick for the place spot last out and will be a major factor in here. #4 Thunder Punch (2-1) was second against maiden special weight company in debut then fifth last out and will get plenty of support despite six-week gap. # 3 Wild Cork (9-2) was seventh against similar last out and will have to improve considerably. 

RACE 2

5-7-1-4

#5 Lizzie’s Last (7-2) gets the nod in this two-turn $5,000 claiming event for state-bred fillies and mares, sporting two wins already this year. #7 Quick Energy (2-1) has been second and third last two and likely assumes the favorite’s role in this spot. #1 Lady’s Lady (5-2) gets a favorable draw and could improve on last two outings here. #4 Allegheny Dbl Lime (4-1) has been second three times in eight tries this year and exits allowance company for a favorable spot.

RACE 3

6-7-8-5

#6 City Princess (5-2) drew best of the serious contenders in this two-turn claimer for fillies and mares for Stacey Viands of Parisian Diva fame. #7 Sterling Furiosa (4-1) has been second once and third twice in five outings this year and knocking on the door for first seasonal win. #8 Charitable Miss (7-2) was second last out and looms a major player again in this spot. #5 Break Dancin (9-2) graduated against maiden claimers last out and tackles winners for the first time here.

RACE 4

2-7-6-5

#2 Hypothesis (8-5) opted out of a a one-turn sprint against older won by stablemate Dr. Feelgood two weeks ago to face this group for trainer Crystal Pickett. #7 Best Shot (5-1) draws favorably and has been improving with each start since the break for trainer Tim Grams. #6 Windsors For It (4-1) owns 1-2-1 slate from four starts this year for trainer James W. Casey and has an upset chance here. #5 A Is For Artist (12-1) graduated two starts back and gets second try against winners.

RACE 5

7-6-9-12

#7 Indian Wildfire (5-2) was second last out at this level for trainer Ronney Brown and looks poised to graduate in this one-turn maiden special weight for state-bred boys. #6 Harbour Town (6-1) was a promising third in his career debut last month at age five for owner-trainer Janice Groves. #9 Let’s Get Physical (9-2) looks set to make his career debut for trainer David Walters off three decent works, including one from the gate. #12 Windsor’s Fun (8-1) also looks ready for debut off solid gate works for owner-breeder-trainer James W. Casey if he draws in off the AE list. 

RACE 6

7-4-5-2

#7 Throw The Fade (3-1) invades from Maryland for trainer Kieron Magee and was a winner two starts back. #4 Rock On (4-1) owns two wins already this year and can make amends here. #5 Shackled (5-1) has been second and third since two starts since the break, while #2 Unnamed Soldier (5-2) seeks his second straight for trainer Kevin Patterson as the likely favorite.

RACE 7

5-3-2-7

#5 Coach Rube (5-2) finally regained her winning ways last our for trainer John A. Casey and looks poised for second straight allowance score here. #3 Angle Of Attack (8-1) won a stakes last fall and seeks to rebound from ninth-place effort in It’s Binn Too Long Stakes for trainer Jeff Runco. #2 Paint It Green (10-1) delivered two good efforts before the break and will look to regain that form following two dull tries. #7 The Better One (7-2) has not been worse than third in five tries this year and gives Casey a chance to run one-two here.

RACE 8

4-8-2-9

#4 Cold Hearted Gal (2-1) has been third last two tries and gets the nod in wide open maiden $5,000 claiming finale. #8 Lady Toscanova (7-2) was good fourth at this level last time and can improve here. #2 Venetian Drive (10-1) has been busy since the break ended and makes fifth attempt since returning. #9 Manna From Hannah (15-1) was second at this level two starts back and can graduate here with a similar effort.

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