Charles Town picks and analysis: December 19

Shutupn’kissme won the Eleanor Casey Memorial Stakes at Charles Town Races. Photo by Coady Photography.

Charles Town has a 10-race Saturday card. Post time is the normal 7:00 p.m. Good luck!

RACE 1

6-2-7-3

In the opener on the 2020 finale, #6 Officer Unbridled (3-1) seeks first tally in 10 tries for trainer Javier Contreras in this one-turn maiden special weight dash and sophomore could topple older foes here. #2 Showtime Cat (5-2) has been second once and third three times in four seasonal outings for trainer Tim Grams and looms a serious contender. #7 Becoming Smitty (10-1) has been third each of last two at this level and favorable outside draw gives this Doug Adams trainee an upset chance. #3 Bubba Grump (9-5) was fourth in September debut and gives Contreras chance to run one-two here.

RACE 2

8-7-5-6

In this one-turn dash for $5,000 claimers, #8 Ready to Run (5-2) has been third in each of last two and seeks first win in eight seasonal outings from favorable outside draw for trainer Ben Feliciano, Jr. #7 Mr. Vecchio (8-5) has been second in each of last two since graduating against maiden special weight foes for trainer Ronney Brown and looms the favorite here. #5 Oracle of Omaha (3-1) seeks first seasonal score in 10 tries for trainer William Atkins, while #6 Truth Serum (12-1) – no lie – gives longshot players hope in this event.

RACE 3 

9-8-4-3

In this one-turn maiden claiming event, #9 The Book of Rod (15-1) exits maiden special weight company for first time for trainer Tina Malgarini-Mawing and favorable outside draw gives him serious upset chance. #8 Cesar Augusto (5-1) was second last out versus maiden special weight foes at Mountaineer Park for trainer Kevin Joy. #4 The Franchise (7-2) returns from Penn National and looks the stronger of two runners here for trainer Tim Collins. #3 Adios See Ya (2-1) was good fourth versus maiden special weight foes here in local debut and could be odds-on in this spot at post time.

RACE 4

3-5-6-4

In yet another one-turn dash for claimers, #3 Warrior Empress (9-5) makes local debut for trainer Kevin Patterson and looms the solid favorite in this affair. #5 Wiggle It Jiggleit (3-1) is still seeking to duplicate the efforts of a former harness horse of the year of the same name. #6 Dimitri’s Romance (15-1) rates an upset chance here for trainer Tim Shanley. #4 Princess Janet (5-1) was third in local debut for trainer Jose Cruz and could improve on that effort in this spot.

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

RACE 5 

2-4-7-6

In the first two-turn race on the card, #2 Pyrrhic Victory (8-5) finished solid second off 16-month respite after arriving from Europe for trainer Jeff Runco and looms the solid choice in this maiden special weight event. #4 Coleraine (3-1) was good second in local debut four months ago and rates a serious chance despite the break. #7 Morality Clause (4-1) is still in quest of diploma in sixth attempt for trainer Jack Hurley. #6 Callinghercollins (6-1) gives Runco modest chance to run one-two in this spot.

RACE 6

2-3-5-6

In the Saturday feature, a two-turn allowance/optional $15,000 claiming event for fillies and mares, #2 Imagoodchatterbug (3-1) has won four of seven this year for Ronney Brown and should finish the season on a winning note. #3 Sherwood Lady (5-2) owns three wins this year including White Alley Overnight Stakes tally 11 months ago for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. and merits respect as the likely favorite here. #5 Letts Go To Dixies (6-1) has been consistent all season for owner-breeder-trainer and former jockey Keturah Obed-Letts and could forge an upset in this spot. #6 Mabel (7-2) has been fourth twice since September score for trainer Mike Weeks and can not be overlooked here.

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 7 

8-11-2-6

In this one-turn maiden claiming event for two-year-old fillies, #8 Vintage Sparkle (6-1) makes career debut off a pair of works at Mahoning Valley and Mountaineer Park for trainer Jami Poole and may have found ideal spot to graduate at first asking. #11 La Rufina (2-1) exits maiden special weight company for the first time in fourth career outing for trainer Ollie Figgins III and will be tough if she draws in off the also eligible list. #2 Rocket Glitter (7-2) makes career debut for Contreras off series of modest works but could be primed for success at first asking here. #6 Woodsong’s Castle (10-1) exits two maiden special weight tries for trainer John Dillow.

RACE 8 

8-5-9-2

In yet another one-turn dash for claiming fillies and mares, #8 House Of Love (4-1) has been second three times in her last five outings for trainer John Dillow and may finally prevail in this spot. #5 Whoa Black Betty (5-1) was fourth in allowance last out after graduating against maiden special weight foes and could succeed in first claiming outing. #9 Candyforacause (9-2) has been consistent all fall for Brown and cannot be overlooked with favorable outside draw. #2 At the Half (6-1) could potentially give trainer David Walters his 1,500th career victory.

RACE 9

6-8-3-5

In this two-turn starter allowance for older males, #6 Sound Off (6-5) seeks second straight off dominant victory in local debut for owner-trainer Michael Sandoval and could be the shortest priced winner on the card. #8 Gio Dude (4-1) was distant second to the top choice last our for Runco and merits respect in this spot. #3 Singanothersong (15-1) is well-traveled 10-year-old who finished fourth in local debut last out but boasts 17 wins in previous 65 outings. #5 Schlosser (8-1) won last out and could repeat at a generous price here.

RACE 10 

9-5-2-8

In the Saturday night and 2020 finale, a two-turn claiming event for boys, Maryland-bred #9 Just Chill Out (6-1) was a sharp second last out in local debut for trainer Saul Ramirez and looks poised for an upset in farewell event. #5 Biz Nasty (8-5) was a good third last out for trainer Ronney Brown and won three starts back and could succeed as the favorite in this spot. #2 Cool Man Cletus (9-2) makes his local debut for trainer Tim Salzman and deserves a look here. #8 Creekmore (5-1) has been good in three of his last four and merits an upset chance.

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