CHARLES TOWN PICKS AND ANALYSIS: JULY 17

Aaron's Tap
Aaron’s Tap won the 2019 It’s Only Money Stakes. Photo by Coady Photography.

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

Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6, $35,404

RACE 1

6-7-4-3

In the Saturday opener, a two-turn event for state-bred maiden $12,500 claimers, #6 Rock File (5-1) was fourth at 6-1 in last and has right to improve at a generous price in this spot for trainer Tonya O’Neill. #7 Huckleberry Friend (5-2) exits common race and was solid third in that event and could graduate here for trainer Ronney Brown. #4 Brayden’swarrior (4-1) was fifth in same race top two exit and could improve on that effort here for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. #3 Mister Deeks (9-5) was second in same race at 24-1 and will be much shorter price here for trainer Jean Rofe.

RACE 2

7-6-2-1

In this one-turn allowance dash for state-bred fillies and mares, #7 Privately (8-5) has been second in each of last two outings in return from 18-month layoff and gets favorable outside draw and looms the one to beat here for owner-breeder-trainer Javier Contreras. #6 Got Your Number (4-1) draws well and gets chance to atone for latest outing for trainer Crystal Pickett. #2 Theladyistrue (8-1) is looking to regain early freshman form for owner-breeder-trainer John McKee and merits respect at a generous price here. #1 Juba Train (7-2) was second last out against claimers and returns to allowance ranks and gives Jones outside chance to sweep early daily double.

RACE 3

7-3-6-5

In this one-turn dash for maiden claimers, #7 Lilbitsofdrama (6-1) gets favorable outside draw for owner-trainer Elix Bowman and looks poised to graduate at generous price here. #3 My Pretty Eyes (7-5) makes massive plunge from maiden special weight company for McKee and could be odds-on in this spot. #6 Sister Joann (4-1) exits maiden $12,500 claimers and looms a factor off the drop. #5 Red Hot Cookie (3-1) was decent fourth last out and merits respect here for Brown.

RACE 4

6-3-7-4

In this two-turn event for starter allowance males, #6 Hobe Sound (4-1) was beaten favorite last out against similar and looks poised to atone here for Pickett. #3 Sound Off (3-1) has already won four of seven this year and upended the top pick in last for trainer Michael Sandoval. #7 To the Front (2-1) defeated starter allowance foes at Mountaineer Park last out and looms the favorite here for Farrior. #4 Unequivocal (5-1) returns after three outings at Pimlico and merits respect at a price here.

RACE 5

8-7-5-2

In this one-turn dash for $5,000 claimers, #8 Theheatofthenight (5-2) makes third start against claimers since graduating against maiden special weight company for McKee and gets favorable outside draw here. #7 Pagan Smart (6-5) was solid second last out after winning two back and looms the likely favorite here for trainer Anthony Rideoutt II. #5 Holy Boly (5-1) was solid third last out and won three back and merits respect in this spot. #2 Gunter (6-1) returns after two starts at Penn National and rates and upset chance for owner-trainer Amy Albright.

RACE 6

1-8-4-3

In this two-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #1 Win Then Grin (7-2) gets favorable inside draw and looks poised to atone for latest out for trainer Jonathan Maldonado. #8 Wild Cappucino (6-1) is usually on the board and has a license to improve here for trainer Russell Davis. #4 Drive In (2-1) faced tougher at Delaware Park last two but is still seeking first local score in six tries for trainer Mark Shanley. #3 Jean Grey (10-1) has an upset chance at generous price.

RACE 7

1-5-2-4

In this two-turn allowance for older males, #1 Fugitive (5-2) graduated against maiden special weight foes here last fall in only previous local outing and gets the nod here for Farrior. #5 Titan’s Will (2-1) makes local debut after good outings in Maryland and gives Farrior good chance to run one-two in this event. #2 News Flash (8-1) makes local debut following series of outings at midwest tracks and merits respect here for owner-trainer Chris Keller. #4 Golden Answer (15-1) defeated claimers last out and vaults back into allowance company for Brown.

RACE 8

3-6-2-1

In the Saturday night finale, the lone three-turn event on the card, #3 Happy Champ (3-1) exits much tougher at Gulfstream Park and looks poised to score in local debut for trainer Ronney Brown. #6 Grey Invasion (4-1) was solid third last out in return from Finger Lakes and merits respect in this spot for trainer Michelle Knoblauch-Perez. #2 Righteous Man (9-5) has been second in each of last two outings and likely earns the favorite’s role here for trainer Anthony Farrior. #1 Owl Run (5-1) gets favorable inside draw in three-turn route and looks capable of rounding out the super.

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