Charles Town picks and analysis: September 26

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

5-6-1-2

In the opening race on the last Saturday card in September, #5 Masterdancer (7-2 morning line) makes the massive drop from maiden special weight company for this two-turn maiden $5,000 claimer. #6 Kim’s Diamond (3-1) has been second three times in eight previous outings and could graduate in this spot. #1 Tina’s Song (5-2) was good fourth in return effort last out for trainer John McKee. #2 Spooky Moon (9-2) has shown steady improvement of late for trainer Javier Contreras.

RACE 2 

1-6-8-2

#1 Vonda (3-1) was good second at this level last out and should emerge on top in this two-turn affair for $5,000 claimers for trainer Mark Shanley. #6 Sweet Tweet (4-1) has been a model of consistency all season and should rebound from last outing for trainer Donald Blankenship. #8 Sainte Therese (6-1) has been second twice and third three times in 13 winless outings this year but could improve in this spot. #2 Tavrida (7-2) makes first start in 14 months here but could prevail if fit enough off the layoff.

RACE 3

1-5-8-3

#1 Meldon (6-1) has shown glimpses of hope at this level for trainer Kristy Gazzier. #5 Busted Halo (4-1) has been second twice and third twice in seven winless starts this year but could emerge triumphant here for trainer Ronney Brown. #8 Winning Scholar (5-1) has been fourth in each of last two for trainer Michael Weeks and could improve on that here. #3 Tamaqua (9-5) won last out for trainer John Carlisle but has been idle nearly two months since.

RACE 4

7-2-3-6

#7 Paint It Green (9-5) has been second in each of last two starts and should finally garner first victory of 2020 in this spot for trainer Ben Feliciano, Jr. #6 Boca Birdie (5-2) was second last out and looms the main threat to the top choice here for trainer Michael Atkins. #3 Becoming Machen (8-1) already sports two wins this season and exits Mountaineer Park allowance for this spot. #2 She’s Right (5-1) graduated three starts back and could improve off recent outings.

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

RACE 5

6-10-3-2

#6 Doctor McCoy (5-2) has been second in each of last two outings and four times in six career outings for trainer James W. Casey but should finally graduate in this two-turn maiden special weight event for state-bred males. #10 Never Compromise (7-2) makes career debut for trainer Jeff Runco off ‘bullet’ work and several solid gate workouts. #3 Showtime Cat (4-1) was solid third in belated seasonal debut last out and should improve off that effort for trainer Tim Grams. #2 Rocket Appeal (10-1) makes career debut off ‘bullet’ work three weeks ago for trainer Marshall Campbell.

RACE 6 

9-4-3-5

#9 Wild Cappucino (10-1) makes second start back off the break and exits allowance company for this one-turn dash for $5,000 claimers. #4 Indian Fiber (5-2) has been first and second last two tries for trainer John McKee and figures to be right there in this spot. #3 We Love Nanni (3-1) has won twice and been second twice in nine starts this year and exits allowance company for this affair. #5 Allegheny Dbl Lime (8-1) also exits allowance company and seeks return to winning ways in this spot.

Who are leading the Top Midlantic trainer and jockey ranks?

RACE 7

3-6-8-5

#3 Charitable Spenny (3-1) already boasts four wins from eight starts this year for trainer Linda Dollinger-Stehr but will have to rebound from latest in this two-turn allowance feature. #6 Black Steel (8-1) has been third in each of last three for trainer Edwin Tobin but could certainly improve in this spot. #8 Catch My Caboose (5-2) prevailed against allowance foes last out and looms the favorite in this spot for trainer Michael Weeks. #5 Castles Trick (12-1) has been second and third in two seasonal tries and could improve here for trainer John Carlisle.

RACE 8

6-8-7-2

#6 Courtesy Shuffle (6-1) rates an upset chance in this two-turn event for $5,000 claimers. #8 Meemaw’s Heart (10-1) also deserves a shot to hit the board in the Saturday finale at a generous price. #7 Hendaya (3-1) was good third last out for trainer Crystal Pickett and merits respect in this spot. #2 Jet Settin Lady (4-1) was also third last out for Runco and should be a factor here.

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