CHARLES TOWN PICKS AND ANALYSIS: August 22
Charles Town has an eight-race Saturday card. Post time is the normal 7:00 p.m. Good luck!
Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6, $4,557
Check out our other handicapping here!
RACE 1
5-1-2-4
In the opener, a two-turn event for state-bred $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #5 Masterdancer (6-1) has been steadily improving for trainer James Shawyer and could finally notch first win in 10 starts this year. #1 Miss Morgantown (4-1) was solid fourth after exiting allowance company and could forge mild upset here for trainer Ronney Brown. #2 Suzie Q Sonde (6-5) looms the solid favorite in this spot after finishing third in first try against winners last out for trainer Joan Reynolds. #4 Chopra (5-1) made three starts during July and maintains busy summer slate here for trainer Robert Laster.
RACE 2
6-3-2-4
In this one-turn dash for $10,000 claimers, #6 Majestic Seas (7-2) was solid second last out against similar for trainer Javier Contreras and looks poised to prevail in this spot. #3 Auburn Mill (8-5) exits allowance company for trainer Ronney Brown and looms the solid choice in here. #2 Strong Safety (3-1) also exits allowance company for owner-trainer-breeder Crystal Pickett. #4 Upheaval (4-1) was good fourth in belated seasonal debut last month for trainer Stacey Viands and merits an upset chance 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
7-9-4-10
In this one-turn maiden special weight event for state-bred two-year-old boys, #7 Talking Teddy (7-2) has been second in each of his first two tries for owner-breeder-trainer and former jockey Keturah Obed-Letts and looks poised to graduate here. #9 Run To Daylight (3-1) makes career debut off a series of serious works for trainer Jeff Runco and merits respect at first asking. #4 One Night Mike (5-1) also makes career debut in this spot for Contreras and could be ready to score. #10 Change Your Luck (8-1) gets favorable outside draw for career debut for Pickett.
RACE 4
3-7-2-1
In this two-turn event for $10,000 claimers,#3 Suspiros (7-5) finished sharp second last out and gets the nod to prevail here for trainer Aaron West. #7 Scottish Man (5-1) returns to claiming ranks and has been second four times in eight tries this year for trainer Michael Weeks. #2 Buzzhound (4-1) was solid second last out for trainer Dale Capuano and rates upset chance here. #1 Black Steel (9-2) has been third last two after graduating against maiden claimers but could score here at a generous price.
RACE 5
1-7-6-2
In this intriguing two-turn maiden claimer, #1 Volnay (6-5) exits maiden special weight company for Capuano and should graduate in this spot as the choice. #7 Bottle Courage (6-1) seeks first win in 10 tries this year for William Yates Jones, Jr. and rates upset chance. #6 Ohh Beehave (8-1) has shown glimpses of promise for trainer Mark Shanley and could graduate here. #2 Chosen Miss (5-1) was solid second last try at this level and could forge mild upset for owner-trainer John Stahlin.
RACE 6
7-1-2-4
In this one-turn dash for $10,000 claiming fillies and mares, #7 Lunar Prayer (8-1) exits allowance company and gets favorable draw for trainer Kevin Boykins. #1 Kalenjin (9-5) has ample speed and will need clean break from inside slot to prevail at a short price for trainer Anthony Farrior. #2 Windsor’s Champion (7-2) merits an upset chance in here for trainer Kevin Joy. #4 Undeniable Touch (4-1) gives Weeks outside chance to capture mid-card daily double.
- “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
3-7-8-1
In this two-turn starter allowance for older males, #3 Sound Off (5-2) won last out, has scored two of last three and five times this year from nine tries for owner-trainer Michael Sandoval and looks poised to maintain winning ways. #7 Cape Lookout (3-1) was solid second last out and rates mild upset chance here for trainer Wade Sanderson.#8 Hobe Sound (7-2) was fourth against similar last out for Pickett and could prevail here at a modest price. #1 Prota (8-1) was third last out against similar for Runco and boasts three wins to date.
RACE 8
9-8-2-1
In the Sunday night finale, a one-turn dash for $4,000 claimers, #9 Barry Karafin Bets (3-1) gets favorable outside draw and could prevail here for trainer James Cornwell, Jr. #8 Gattosing (4-1) also should benefit from outside draw for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. and merits mild upset chance. #2 Wonder How (5-2) looms the tepid choice in here for trainer Kristy Gazzier. #1 Twobitsaride (5-1) can certainly be a factor here for trainer John Dillow.
LATEST NEWS
- MTROA: Pimlico plan may preserve current track layout
- Showing of “Maryland’s Horse” slated for Nov. 25
- HISA seeks new horsemen’s advisory group members
- Laurel Park picks and ponderings: November 15, 2024
- Laurel: Stakes winner Speedyness makes return Friday
- WVBC winner Runaldo headlines Funkhouser Memorial
Other than Managerial Decision… is there a real reason why Charles Town cancelled?