Charles Town picks and analysis: January 9

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

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

RACE 1

5-1-2-4

In this two-turn maiden $15,000 claiming event for fillies and mares to kick off the Saturday night card, #5 Cheese Louise (9-5 morning line) looks ready to graduate in her 12th career outing for owner-trainer Lela Hanagan. #1 Shesuptowngirl (5-1) was good second last out in just her second lifetime try and returns from six-week layoff. #2 Three Affairs (6-1) was second last out for trainer Victor Espinosa and could forge mild upset in this spot. #4 Cruz In The Castle (7-5) was good second in first start at the level but will have to overcome nearly two-month rest here at a short price.

RACE 2

6-7-5-2

In this one-turn dash for $5,000 claimers, #6 Be Be Bop (1-1) looks to regain winning ways for trainer Anthony Farrior and gets favorable outside draw here. #7 Sterling Caesar (12-1) boasts just one win from 35 previous outings but outside post gives him upset potential for trainer Sherry Kirk. #5 Redoubtable (12-1) also looms a live longshot in this spot for owner-trainer Lee Couchenour. #2 Dontmesswithbull (5-2) exits allowance company but makes first start in 10 weeks.

RACE 3 

2-4-1-3

In this three-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #2 Cross Keys (4-1) won last out at Mountaineer Park and could repeat here for trainer Kevin Joy. #4 Lady Macho (6-5) was second last Sunday in seasonal debut at Laurel Park for Farrior and could be the odds-on favorite in this spot. #1 Procidana (10-1) was good second last out for trainer Alex Correa and merits an upset chance here. #3 Weekend Madness (5-1) was also second last out in second start over the strip and should be a factor in this spot.

RACE 4

1-5-8-4

In this two-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #1 K W Captain Flint (7-2) won last out at Penn National and seeks third straight here for trainer Irving Velez. #5 Bacoli (5-1) exits allowance company and looms a contender back in claiming ranks for trainer Ronney Brown. #8 Relentless Strike (6-1) is consistent sort who merits upset chance here for trainer Ollie Figgins III. #4 Fly E Dubai (3-1) also seeks third straight here for Farrior but has been idle since late November.

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

RACE 5 

9-2-4-1

In this two-turn open maiden special weight event for fillies and mares, #9 Morality Clause (7-2) was second despite early traffic trouble last out and looks poised to graduate in 12th career outing for trainer Jack Hurley. #2 Tilsa (2-1) makes local debut off solid third-place finish at Parx late last month and looms the favorite in this spot. #4 Callinghercollins (6-1) has been second once and third once in four starts for trainer Jeff Runco and merits respect here. #1 Coleraine (3-1) was solid second at this level last out but returns from 14-week respite.

RACE 6

9-7-5-3

In this one-turn event for $10,000 claimers, #9 Oracle Of Omaha (12-1) gets favorable outside draw and merits upset chance here for trainer William Atkins. #7 Black Candy (3-1) exits allowance company and returns to a winnable spot for trainer Kevin Patterson. #5 Benny Chang (4-1) also exits allowance company but has been idle nearly four months for Runco. #3 Epic West (6-1) returns following three starts at Mountaineer and gives Patterson outside chance to run one-two here.

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 7 

6-7-1-2

In the Saturday feature, a one-turn allowance for fillies and mares, #6 Coach Rube (8-5) was good second in Cavada two starts back and looks poised to regain winning ways here for trainer John A. Casey. #7 Tunstall (8-1) won two starts back here for trainer Greg Viands and rates an upset chance in this spot. #1 My Lovely Girl (2-1) also scored two starts back here for trainer Analia Larrosa and will get ample support here. #2 Paparoxy (3-1) has won both of her starts thus far but returns from one-year layoff for Farrior.

RACE 8 

5-4-9-2

Then in the Saturday finale, a two-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #5 Midnight Banker (4-1) was good third in local debut last out and gets the nod to prevail here in wide open affair. #4 Afandi (7-2) has been second in each of her last three and could shed local bridesmaid status in this spot. #9 Blazing Bourbon (9-2) graduated in August at Woodbine and Canadian invader should be a factor off two-month break. #2 Sudden Brilliance (3-1) graduated two starts back and could atone for latest outing here.

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