CHARLES TOWN PICKS AND ANALYSIS: FEBRUARY 27
Charles Town has an eight-race Saturday card. Post time is the normal 7:00 p.m. Good luck!
Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6, $5,280
RACE 1
2-7-3-5
In the opening race on the final card in February, a three-turn maiden claiming event, #2 Yes Means No (5-2) was third in local debut and may have finally found spot to graduate after 10 second- and six third-place finishes from first 31 career tries. Florida invader #7 Prince Valeski (7-5) makes his local debut for trainer Ronney Brown and looms the solid favorite in this spot. #3 Persevered (5-1) was good second last out for trainer Ollie Figgins III and merits respect here. #5 Laurel Lad (4-1) was second here two back and should be a factor in this spot.
RACE 2
7-2-4-6
In this two-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #7 Old Line Magic (6-5) was sixth against tougher last out and gets the nod to prevail in his spot for trainer Jesus Cruz. #2 Afandi (3-1) has been second in each of her five previous local tries and will seek to finally end bridesmaid role here for trainer Steve Epley, Jr. #4 Midnight Banker (4-1) has been fourth and fifth last two and could continue improving trend in this spot. #6 Violane (7-2) finished third last out in second local try for trainer John McKee and merits respect here.
- Laurel: Stakes winner Speedyness makes return FridaySpeedyness, winner of Laurel Park’s Miracle Wood Stakes earlier this year, returns from a six-month break Friday at that same track.
RACE 3
2-5-6-7
In this two-turn event for state-bred maiden $7,500 claimers, #2 Twentytwenty (9-5) exits maiden special weight company for Runco and looms the one to beat as the favorite here. #5 Executive Prize (7-2) also exits maiden special weight company and makes local debut after eight tries at Mountaineer Park for trainer Jennifer Johnson. #6 Juba Early (6-1) was fifth last out at this level and could contend here for trainer James W. Casey. #7 One Two Punch (3-1) makes career debut for trainer Javier Contreras and merits respect despite outside draw.
RACE 4
8-7-6-3
in this wide open one-turn dash for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #8 Secret Affirmation (4-1) gets favorable outside draw and can atone for last for trainer Joan Reynolds. #7 Don’tbaggagecheck (3-1) was solid second in local debut for trainer Mario Serey, Jr. and looms the tepid favorite in this spot. #6 Indian Fiber (9-2) also gets good draw and looms a factor for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. #3 Papparoxy (8-1) won first two starts for Farrior but has disappointed in last two.
RACE 5
9-8-7-3
In this one-turn maiden special weight event for state-breds, #9 Rock Break (5-2) was a good third in his career debut while breaking from the rail and gets a favorable outside draw for this outing for trainer Tim Grams. #8 Let’s Get Started (3-1) was second in his most recent outing and gives Grams a solid chance to run one-two in this affair. #7 Mio Becoming (7-2) has improved with each start and has a chance to split the Grams trainees here for trainer Doug Adams. #3 Spanglish (8-1) was a solid third in career debut for owner-trainer Elizabeth Meehan and merits respect in this spot.
RACE 6
3-8-4-7
In this three-turn affair for claimers, #3 Hunter’s Hellcat (8-1) won last out at Mahoning Valley and makes local debut for trainer Eddie Clouston. #8 Molly’s Game (9-2) returns from Aqueduct and was fifth in local allowance two back for trainer Bernard Dunham. #4 Lanesborough (9-5) also exits allowance and won two back here for Farrior. #7 Carina (2-1) also won last out at Mahoning Valley and gives Clouston chance to run one-two here.
- “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
5-8-7-6
In this two-turn event for $10,000 claimers, #5 Ragtime Cowboy Joe (2-1) graduated last out against maiden claimers and seeks second straight here for formidable Runco-Bocachica tandem. #8 Party Life (5-2) was good third last out for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. and could upset the favorite here. #7 Nicaloe (6-1) graduated against maiden claimers in December and seeks to regain winning ways here for trainer Russell Davis. #6 Righteous Man (8-1) exits starter allowance event and merits respect in this spot.
RACE 8
10-3-7-4
In the final live race of the month at Charles Town, #10 Northern Heat (5-1) has been second and third last two for Contreras and gets the nod to upset here. #3 Dazzle Me (7-5) exits allowance company and looms the solid favorite in this spot for trainer Kieron Magee. #7 No Stone Unturned (6-1) won last out and seeks second straight for Figgins here at a generous price. #4 Captain Anne (10-1) has been third in each of last two outings and rates an upset chance here for trainer John Capellini.
LATEST NEWS
The Polish Prince looks like a cinch.
But too short to play so I’ll stay away from the first
except to bet him and hope”Yes Means No” does go
to complete our exaxta.
I shudda showed more respect for Figgins
but I’ll persevere here and see if Mr Black can get it back for me.
2nd I hanker for Midnite Banker but will
box the other 3 of Mr Black’s attack.
At least I cashed a ticket thanks Mr B.
I was on the phone so
missed winning that Executive Prize,
Mr Black had that Exact in a on the top box.
I don’t get this outside is a favorable position
in a very short race but Secret Affirmation is 11-1
so I’ll do what Mr Black says.
Well he did beat them all
but without Darius Thorpe aboard.
I’m going with Araujo but
am afraid” Let’s Get Started”
will leave me broken hearted.
6th: Ted had the exacta in his top 4 as usual,
maybe I should just follow his lead and I’d be ahead.
7th I can’t get by Cowboy Joe amd
don’t think anyone will either.
He wouldn’t even start,
things on paper aren’t on the track,eh Mr Black?
I can’t believe “Thesweetestaboo”is 8-1,
this one will bail me out for the night if
he stays anywhere near that.I’m boxing him
with Ted’s 4 and head out the door.