Charles Town picks and analysis: August 15

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

8-3-4-2

In the first of two maiden special weight races for two-year-olds, #8 Uncle Funky (6-1 morning line) showed speed while fourth last out and could graduate here for trainer Javier Contreras. #3 Pilot In Command (2-1) has been working well in his career debut for trainer Jeff Runco and #4 Social Chic (5-2) also arrives off a series of good works for his debut for Runco. #2 Officer Appeal (5-1) was second in his debut at 47-1 and will be a factor late at a modest price.

RACE 2

2-4-6-5

#2 Indian Fiber (5-2) exits a pair of allowance races for trainer John McKee and looks poised to score while dropping into one-turn $5,000 claiming event for fillies and mares. #4 We Love Nanni (4-1) won last out and twice in last three for McKee and could give him one-two finish here. #6 Country Magic (3-1) is seeking first score in three starts this year after winning three times a year ago. #5 Risksrhighpayislow (7-2) was second two starts back but is still in quest of first win from eight tries this year.

RACE 3

7-8-5-3

In the other maiden special weight split for state-bred two-year-old boys, #7 Hopping Henry (7-5) seeks to rebound from second-place finish as odds-on choice in career debut for trainer Michael Sterling. #8 Spinish (12-1) makes career debut in this spot for Contreras and owner-breeder O’Sullivan Farms. #5 Just Gets Better (9-2) makes career debut off several nice works for owner-breeder-trainer and former jockey Kristy Petty. #3 Allen Can Do It (12-1) was fifth in debut for trainer John A. Casey and could improve off that effort.

RACE 4

4-5-2-3

In this compact allowance group, #4 Letts Go to Dixies (5-2) gets the nod for owner-trainer and former jockey Keturah Obed-Letts. #5 Lady Madison (3-1) was second last out against allowance foes after earlier posting two wins versus claimers. #2 Gab’s Lil Leaguer (8-5) has been second once and third once in three starts this year for owner-trainer Tim Collins and looms the favorite in this spot. #3 So Red The Roses (9-2) gives Letts a chance to potentially run one-two here.

How’d we do last week? Check out our picks and analysis here!

RACE 5

9-7-8-6

#9 Doctor McCoy (4-1) has been second twice in four starts for trainer James W. Casey and draws favorably for this one-turn maiden special weight event. #7 Let’s Get Physical (5-1) finished third in his career debut for trainer David Walters and looms a serious threat in this event. #8 Cesar Augusto (8-1) and #6 River Crosroad Rvf (6-5) will both have to improve dramatically for trainer Runco in order to prevail here.

RACE 6

3-2-5-6

#3 Fast Intentions (2-1) owns one win and four second-place finishes in five good outings this year for trainer Phil Schoenthal and appears tough to beat in this one-turn dash for $10,000 claiming fillies and mares. #2 Dancing Destiny (7-5) has been first, second and third in last three local outings and looms the favorite in this affair. #5 Love Happy (9-2) won last out and twice in last three for trainer John A. Casey, but rarely fires two straight. #6 Oddseveninurfavor (8-1) was third last out and has typically fared well in local outings.

RACE 7

10-8-3-7

#10 Don’tmesswithbull (4-1) exits allowance company and seeks first score since graduating against maiden claimers exactly one year ago for Runco. #8 Calling India (20-1) exits a tough allowance dash for fillies and mares and won two starts back against maiden claimers. #3 Derek’s Boy (9-2) actually graduated against maiden special weight company last fall and exits allowance foes for this spot. #7 Eastbound N Down (6-1) also exits allowance company and seeks first tally since topping maiden special weight group 11 months ago.

RACE 8

7-9-6-1

#7 Talkinaboutmygirl (2-1) makes local debut after facing much tougher at Indiana Grand and should graduate for trainer Aaron West in the Saturday finale for maiden $5,000 claimers. #9 Doves Out (20-1) has yet to hit the board from four tries for trainer Crystal Pickett but could prevail at a big price here. #6 Hide (9-2) has displayed a knack for finishing third – four times in 11 outings – and could complete the triple. #1 Score One More (6-1) makes her career debut for trainer Ronney Brown and could be a factor despite rail draw.

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