Charles Town picks and analysis: September 4

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

2-4-7-5

In the Saturday opener, likely to be contested several minutes after the 146th Kentucky Derby is made official, #2 Flash Town (6-5 morning line) looks poised to end her bridesmaid status in this one-turn maiden special weight dash for two-year-old fillies after finishing second in each of her three previous outings. Well-bred #4 Guapa Chica (7-5) makes career debut for trainer Anthony Farrior as More Than Ready filly arrives off three sharp works at Laurel. #7 Super Malibu (10-1) makes career debut and Canadian-bred drew favorable outside slot. #5 Super Wildcat (10-1) also makes career debut following several good works over the strip.

RACE 2

4-5-6-2

#4 City Princess (3-1) seeks second straight score for trainer Stacey Viands of Parisian Diva fame. #5 Paint It Green (8-5) has run well each time in claimers for trainer Kristy Gazzier. #6 Quick Energy (9-2) seeks first seasonal win but has been consistent in six tries so far. #2 Tuition Plan (5-1) returns from Mountaineer allowance and figures in this claiming spot.

RACE 3

5-7-2-3

In this one-turn maiden special weight event for state-bred two-year-olds, #5 Allen Can Do It (4-1) was sharp second to Hopping Henry in debut in faster of two MSW splits that night and looks poised to graduate here for trainer John A. Casey. #7 Pilot in Command (3-1) finished a fast-closing third as odds-on choice in his debut for trainer Jeff Runco and looms a serious threat here. #2 Social Chic (7-2) was good second in debut and gives Runco chance at one-two finish here. #3 Officer Appeal (6-1) has been second and fourth in two tries and could improve in this spot.

RACE 4

4-7-8-9

In this one-turn dash for $5,000 claimers, #4 Raelyn’s Star (7-2) returns from allowance company at Mountaineer Park and looks formidable in this spot. #7 Indian Fiber (5-1) seeks second straight score for owner-breeder-trainer John McKee and rates serious upset chance. #8 Respected (3-1) returns off six-month break and may need this one. #9 Nice Adventure (6-1) graduated last out and seeks second straight tally while facing winners for the first time.

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

RACE 5

2-3-6-5

In this two-turn maiden special weight for older boys, #2 Native Courage (5-1) tried maiden claimers at Laurel last out and was third versus maiden special weight here prior to that. #3 Balt’more Forever (6-1) makes career debut for trainer Ronney Brown following two nice gate works here. #6 Lookin’ Smart (7-5) makes seasonal and local debut off lone outing at the Meadowlands last fall. #5 Ragtime Cowboy Joe (5-2) was second against maiden claimers last two and makes jump back into maiden special weight company for Runco.

RACE 6

1-3-7-8

#1 Kentucky Dancer (6-1) seeks second straight for trainer John Carlisle and rates serious upset chance in this two-turn event for $5,000 claimers. #3 Castle Ridge (5-1) also seeks second straight score but has been genuine hit-or-miss type throughout career. #7 Lonely Drifter (1-1) makes seasonal debut but might need a race at short price here. #8 Unique Humor (8-1) has a license to improve for trainer John (Jerry) Robb of Anna’s Bandit and Little Bold John fame.

Who are leading the Top Midlantic trainer and jockey ranks?

RACE 7

1-2-8-7

#1 Tranquil Blue (5-2) was good second last out and gets the nod in this two-turn event for $15,000 claimers. #2 Castles Trick (6-1) was good second in belated seasonal debut last month and could upset here. #8 Hard Being Me (7-2) exits allowance company and looms a serious contender in this spot. #7 He’s a Gold Digger (8-1) has been second twice and third once in five winless outings this year for Gazzier and should atone for subpar effort last out.

RACE 8

10-8-7-1

In the Derby Day finale, a two-turn maiden special weight for state-bred older runners, #10 Doctor McCoy (8-5) has been second three times in five career outings for trainer John A. Casey and should graduate in this spot. #8 Short Cake’s Man (5-1) has been third twice in three starts for trainer James W. Casey and rates an upset chance in the finale. #7 Nautical Warrior (3-1) makes career debut for Runco and should be a factor in here. #1 All About Tap (10-1) has been second three times and third once for trainer Wade Sanderson and could prevail at a big price in the finale.

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