CHARLES TOWN PICKS AND ANALYSIS: FEBRUARY 20
Charles Town has an eight-race Saturday card. Post time is the normal 7:00 p.m. Good luck!
Carryovers: None
RACE 1
4-6-3-5
In the opening race on the Saturday night card, a three-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #4 Upsy Daisy Do (3-1) has been first and second in two starts for trainer Michael Sterling since arriving from Gulfstream Park and gets the nod in this spot. #6 Blazing Bourbon (2-1) won in local debut after arriving from Canada for trainer John Carlisle and certainly could repeat here as the favorite. #3 Imagoodchatterbug (4-1) was good third in last outing for trainer Ronney Brown and could improve on that effort here. #5 Lady Madison (7-2) won last out for trainer David Wilhelm and merits respect in repeat bid in this spot.
RACE 2
6-7-3-5
In this one-turn dash for $4,000 claimers, #6 Dancing Destiny (4-5) won last out and looks poised to repeat at a short price for trainer Kevin Patterson. #7 Risksrhighpayislow (5-1) also won last out for owner-breeder-trainer Michael Atkins and merits respect here in repeat bid. #3 Silken Belle (9-2) has been second in each of last two outings for owner-breeder-trainer John McKee and could score in this spot. #5 Dimitri’s Romance (8-1) has been fourth in each of last three outings and looks destined for similar finish here.
- Dean Delivers seeks return to winning ways in Dave’s FriendDean Delivers, winner of July’s De Francis Dash, returns to Laurel Park Saturday to headline the Dave’s Friend Stakes.
RACE 3
1-2-6-4
In this two-turn event for $15,000 claiming three-year-old fillies, #1 Cowgirl Night (9-5) won two starts back here for trainer Anthony Farrior and returns from Laurel for this spot. #2 Classy Escort (7-2) graduated last out against maiden claimers and gives Farrior chance to run one-two here. #6 Keyed Up (5-2) also defeated maiden claimers here two back for trainer John Carlisle and looms a threat in this spot. #4 One Smart Cookie (6-1) was second last out for trainer James Day and merits respect as modest outsider.
RACE 4
5-2-7-4
In this two-turn event for claiming fillies and mares, #5 City Princess (3-1) has been fourth and third in two seasonal outings and looks set to continue improving trend here for trainer Stacey Viands. #2 She’s Right (5-2) was good second last out for trainer Irving Velez and looms the favorite in this spot. #7 Run On Energy (7-2) won two starts back for owner-trainer Anthony Lucas and could atone for latest. #4 Quick Energy (5-1) won last out and gives Lucas outside chance to run one-two here.
RACE 5
4-7-2-9
In this two-turn event for maiden $12,500 claimers, #4 Red Hot Cookie (4-1) was sixth versus maiden special weight company in career debut for trainer Ronney Brown and could prevail in this spot, #7 Partly Dandy (9-5) was good third at this level last out and could graduate here for Runco. #2 Bella Femmina (6-1) has been third in each of last three and should continue trend here. #9 Creative Splendor (5-1) was fourth in first try at the level last out and gives Runco outside chance to run one-two here.
RACE 6
6-1-2-3
In this one-turn dash for $15,000 claimers, #6 Raging Blaze (4-1) makes local debut following several good tries against tougher at Laurel Park for trainer Shaun Morrow. #1 Paul’s Plunder (7-2) won last out at Laurel for trainer Tim Salzman and graduated against maiden special weight company here in only previous local try and merits respect in this spot. #2 Sweetonthegents (3-1) exits allowance company and won two starts back here for trainer David Walters. #3 P J’s Ego (5-2) won two back and could atone for latest in this spot for trainer Jesus Cruz.
- “Bittersweet moment” as Hessica hits retirementTwo-time WVBC Cavada winner Hessica couldn’t get one last win, settling for second November 9, but she’s had quite a career for owner-trainer Kristy Petty.
RACE 7
5-6-4-2
In the Saturday feature, a one-turn allowance dash for state-bred fillies and mares, #5 College Kid (5-2) won last out against similar and seeks repeat score from favorable draw for owner-trainer-breeder James W. Casey. #6 Sonde of Music (2-1) was solid second in seasonal debut six weeks ago and seeks sixth win in 10 starts for owner-trainer Lee Couchenour of Gold Watch fame. #4 Susikin (4-1) was good second in local debut for trainer Hugh McMahon and looms a threat to the top pair in his spot. #2 Letts Go to Dixies (15-1) won two starts back on closing night for owner-trainer and former local jockey Keturah Obed-Letts.
RACE 8
6-9-3-7
In the Saturday night finale, #6 Bella Gianna (6-5) should atone for latest for Farrior as the solid favorite in this spot. #9 Old Line Magic (5-2) graduated three starts back and was second against winners two back and could upset here for Cruz. #3 Violane (8-1) was good third in second local start for McKee after arriving from Indiana and looms a danger here at a generous price. #7 Sharp’s Mission (20-1) has been gradually improving for owner-trainer Jerry Campbell and merits respect at a big price here.
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Upsa Daisy can Do at 5-1 is my pick too.
That hurt,not a good start.
2nd:Dancing Destiny falls under Riskshighpayislow so I’ll go with that for an exacta but I always box.
4th: I hope She’s Right and Black is wrong.
Black had it exact,but my box got it all back for me.
5th: Runco has both my exacta halves.
I don’t care a crumb for that Cookie.
Now even Oh Boy-kins got more winners than me at Charlie-ONE!
6th:I was Sweetonthegents,but she soured on me.
Well I had my Zoltys on Zircon last month and they turned to gold.
I hope Kevin can bring me some Joy again.