Charles Town picks and analysis: October 24

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

7-6-5-1

In the Saturday opener, a one-turn dash for maiden $5,000 claimers, #7 Celtic Mission (5-2) looks poised to graduate in his 14th career outing while drawing favorable outside slot for trainer C. Allen Johnson. #6 Maximo Strong (10-1) has yet to hit the board in eight lifetime tries but sophomore should improve with outside draw. #5 Fort Sumter (2-1) was second in career debut earlier this month and seeks to graduate here for trainer Joan Reynolds. #1 What About Shorty (15-1) could hit the board in 15th lifetime outing.

RACE 2

1-3-4-6

In this two-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #1 Zalza (1-1) seeks his second straight after prevailing at Delaware Park last out and makes local debut here for trainer Ronney Brown. #3 Cause for Surprise (8-5) also seeks second straight and 10th career score for owner-trainer Joan Reynolds. #4 Steps to Glory (15-1) graduated against maiden special weight foes last year but seeks first win in eight tries this season for trainer Vernon Greaves. #6 Social Media (8-1) also looking for first ’20 tally for trainer Manolo Mangual.

RACE 3 

7-1-3-2

In this one-turn dash for $10,000 claiming fillies and mares, #7 Grey Manners (5-1) makes local debut for Brown following two good outings at Delaware and gets favorable outside draw here. #1 Indian Fiber (7-5) has won twice in last three for trainer John McKee and looms the favorite in this spot despite rail draw. #3 Gold and Strike (9-2) exits much tougher company in local tries and rates an upset chance here. #2 Nightmare (4-1) will look to end frightening campaign in local debut for trainer Donald Barr.

RACE 4

5-4-1-3

In this interesting two-turn maiden special weight event for state-bred juveniles, #5 Tappin for Glory (8-5) was sharp second last out and looks poised to graduate here in fifth attempt for trainer Anthony Farrior. #4 Just Gets Better (7-2) also seeks to prevail here in fifth outing for owner-breeder-trainer Kristy Petty. #1 Ministry of Magic (3-1) was good third last out after running seventh in career debut. #3 Pistol P (8-1) has been third twice and sixth twice in four outings for owner-breeder-trainer James W. Casey.

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

RACE 5 

1-5-2-4

In the lone three-turn event of the night, #1 Wall (9-5) has won twice in last three local outings and returns following good second-place effort at Laurel for trainer Raymond Class. #5 Dedicated (8-5) has been second in each of last two local tries for Farrior and looms the favorite in this spot. #2 Carmelo (8-1) won two starts back here for trainer Derrick Goetz. #4 Carter’s Run (6-1) was solid second in starter allowance last out and looms an upset chance here.

RACE 6 

6-2-1-3

In this wide open, two-turn allowance for older runners, #6 Lookin’ Smart (7-2) seeks second straight after graduating in long awaited seasonal debut last month for Runco. #2 Out of Cents (3-1) is consistent sort that gives Runco chance to run one-two in this event. #1 Jeffery Scott (5-1) seeks first win in six seasonal outings for owner-breeder-trainer Lawrence Perry, Jr. #3 Party Life (5-1) finished sixth in the Onion Juice last out and merits respect here for Pickett.

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 7 

1-7-5-4

In this two-turn allowance/optional $15,000 claiming event for males, #1 Nova Boy (4-1) looks primed to forge an upset from rail draw for trainer Ollie Figgins III. #7 Willmakeyouhappy (6-5) has won last two and four of eight overall this year for Farrior and looms the odds-on choice here. #5 Totalitario (7-2) was first and second in two local tries last winter and makes return appearance for trainer Kieron Magee. #4 Spokane Eagle (9-2) is well-traveled sort who makes local debut for trainer Mike Jones, Jr.

RACE 8 

3-7-8-1

In this interesting, two-turn allowance for state-bred fillies and mares, #3 Miss Grandstander (8-1) graduated smartly in career debut and should rebound from fourth-place effort versus winners for trainer Tim Grams. #7 Lady Licious (8-1) also earned her diploma in nice fashion and could handle winners here for Figgins. #8 How Is She (9-2) was good second in allowance effort after graduating against maiden claimers. #1 Suzysellsseashells (8-5) looms the favorite for Maryland conditioner Damon Dilidovico of Immortal Eyes fame.

RACE 9 

3-7-4-6

In the Saturday finale, #3 Rush To The Castle (9-2) finished second to Penguin Power in the Onion Juice last out after running fourth in the Gall and should find the winners circle in this two-turn allowance. #7 Reform School (5-2) has won three of four over the strip and returns from stakes at Laurel Park earlier this month for Pickett. #4 Hypothesis (5-1 ) looks to regain his winning ways for Pickett following a solid, second-place finish behind Fancy Concho in the stakes finale on West Virginia Breeders Classics night. #6 Another Victory (3-1) has been idle for two months but looms a threat for trainer Jeff Runco and owner-breeder New Farm.

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