Charles Town picks and analysis: October 17

Photo by Coady Photography.

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

RACE 1

2-1-3-4

In the opener, a rare, three-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #2 Vonda (5-1) looks poised to post a mild upset for trainer Mark Shanley. #1 Call Me Jelly Roll (3-5) returns from Pimlico and gets the rail and looms the odds-on choice in this spot. #3 Castleinthemeadow (6-1) was good second last out and seeks first win in 10 seasonal outings for trainer Victor Espinosa. #4 Dynamic Union (8-1) has been second once and third once in last three outings and could notch first victory in six tries this year for trainer Edwin Tobin.

RACE 2

5-3-6-1

In the first of two maiden special weight events for two-year-olds, #5 Dynamic Day (2-1) arrives off a good second-place effort against maiden special weight company at Delaware Park for trainer Vernon Greaves. #3 Malibu Circle (5-2) was good second over the strip for trainer Javier Contreras and could graduate here. #6 Moss Boss (10-1) makes his career debut for owner-trainer Ernesto Perez off a quartet of good workouts over the strip. #1 Stay In (15-1) makes local debut and adds Lasix for the first time after good efforts at Colonial Downs and Laurel Park for trainer Susan Cooney.

RACE 3 

7-6-2-5

#7 Lion Lord (1-1) returns from Laurel for this one-turn dash for $5,000 claimers and seeks fourth triumph in eight seasonal outings for Gerald Burns. #6 On This Day (9-2) sports solid 1-3-3 slate from nine starts this year and looms the main threat to the favorite here. #2 Schlosser (5-1) already owns two wins from nine starts here this year and could forge mild upset in this spot. #5 Wizard of Odds (15-1) has been a hit-or-miss proposition this year but could revert to winning ways here.

RACE 4

9-6-8-2

In the second maiden special weight event of the night for juveniles, #9 Juba Did It (3-1) arrives off a trio of sharp works for owner-breeder-trainer and former jockey Kristy Petty and could graduate at first asking. #6 Candy Invasion (5-1) also looms a threat to score in his career debut for owner-breeder-trainer John A. Casey. #8 Stringfella (5-2) was fourth in a well-backed career debut for trainer Ollie Figgins III and owner-breeder Copperville Farm of Dance to Bristol fame. #2 Ponticello (15-1) was eighth in debut effort for Raimondo Schiano-Dicola and exits event won by stakes-placed Pilot In Command.

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

RACE 5 

8-3-7-2

#8 Lil Linder (5-2) has been knocking on the door for first seasonal score and could get it here for trainer Linda Dohlinger-Stehr in this one-turn dash for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares. #3 Running Prayers (6-1) prevailed last out and looks capable of repeating in this spot for trainer David Wilhelm. Delaware invader #7 Moon Over Victoria (2-1) should make her presence known as the likely choice here. #2 Strong Ties (6-1) showed signs of improvement last out for trainer Mark Shanley.

RACE 6 

7-9-6-5

#7 We Love Nanni (3-1) has been consistent sort all year and should prevail in this one-turn dash for $5,000 filly claimers. #9 Risksrhighpayislow (15-1) was good second last out and could finally notch first seasonal score from 11 tries here for trainer Michael Atkins. #6 Damisela (15-1) arrives from Delaware Park for local debut and could hit the board at a big price here. #5 Country Magic (6-1) seeks to regain 2019 form when she recorded three victories.

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 7 

3-5-6-4

#3 Eclipticals Viski (4-1) graduated last out and looks to repeat against winners here in this two-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares. #1 Hendaya (3-5) has been second and third in two local tries since returning from Laurel and Delaware and looms a major player at a short price for trainer Crystal Pickett. #4 Sunflower Rose (15-1) continues trend of competing at a different track each start and looks for second seasonal score here for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. #2 Princess Penelope (10-1) was eighth in seasonal debut and could improve off that effort.

RACE 8 

7-4-5-2

In the Saturday feature, #7 Hobe Sound (7-2) seeks second straight for Pickett in this two-turn starter allowance. #4 Jack Straight (2-1) makes local debut after several good efforts at Laurel and Delaware and looms the favorite in this spot. #5 Start From Scratch (8-1) returns from Mountaineer Park and has won two of last three over this oval for Shanley. #2 Singanothersong (5-1) makes local debut after busy summer traveling and seeks 18th lifetime tally in this spot.

RACE 9 

3-5-10-6

In the Saturday night finale, #3 Sweet Tweet (6-1) improved last out in second start over the strip and could emerge on top here for trainer Donald Blankenship. #5 Sainte Therese (5-1) seeks first seasonal score from 15 tries and could give Jones second winner on the card. #10 Dah Philly (7-2) prevailed last out at Delaware Park and could atone for third-place finish here three starts back. #6 Vintage Gin (4-1) won last out here and could potentially give Atkins his second winner on the card.

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