CHARLES TOWN PICKS AND ANALYSIS: September 18
Ted Black- September 18, 2021
Charles Town has an eight-race Saturday card. Post time is 7:00 p.m. Good luck!
Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6, $32,047
Check out our other handicapping here!
RACE 1
5-3-1-2
In the opener, a one-turn maiden $12,500 claimer, #5 Normandy’s Empire (5-2) was sharp second last out and looks set to graduate in here. #3 Huckleberry Friend (7-5) was also solid second last out for trainer Ronney Brown and looms the likely post time choice in this spot.#1 Azure Fire (2-1) was third behind the likely fave last out and merits respect here. #2 Salty J J (8-1) has yet to hit the board in four tries but gives Brown modest chance to run one-two here.
RACE 2
4-6-5-3
In this competitive, two-turn allowance for state-bred fillies and mares, #4 Eternal Heart (9-5) won two back and can atone for fourth-place effort in latest. #6 Heretodaygonmanana (8-5) was a sharp winner on the Classic undercard last out and looms the favorite here for Runco. #5 Miss Wave (10-1) gives Brown an outside chance to sweep the early daily double.#3 Katalima (8-1) is usually in the hunt and looms a factor for trainer Stacey Viands of Parisian Diva fame.
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RACE 3
9-5-3-2
In this interesting, two-turn maiden special weight for state-bred two-year-olds, #9 Amidships (3-5) looks poised to atone for narrow miss in career debut for Runco and should enjoy the added distance. #5 Owen’s Magic (8-1) makes career debut off a series of solid works for trainer Kevin Joy. #3 Jungle Beast (9-2) was solid third in debut outing for trainer Javier Contreras and merits respect here. #2 Bought By Diva (30-1) should improve off debut effort for Viands.
RACE 4
3-4-2-1
In another competitive, two-turn allowance for state-bred fillies and mares, #3 CV’s Powerpak (6-5) was sharp second in Sylvia Bishop Memorial last month and should relish return to this level for trainer Tim Grams. #4 CV”s Campfire (3-1) makes ascension from claiming ranks for Runco and merits respect here. #2 Cheese Louise (12-1) won last out against claimers and boasts four wins already this year for trainer Lela Hanagan and could surprise here. #1 Vintage Gin (5-1) gets favorable inside draw and looms a threat off a trip.
RACE 5 – Henry Mercer Memorial S.
7-6-5-3
In the first of three straight stakes on the card, #7 Run to Daylight (3-1) won smartly first out for Runco and makes stakes debut here in the Henry Mercer Memorial. #6 Roll Dem Bones (9-5) makes first start on dirt for trainer Ollie Figgins III of Dance To Bristol fame and looms a serious contender. #5 Free Sailin (7-2) defeated open maiden special weight company at Thistledown in debut and merits respect in local debut. #3 Talking Teddy (5-1) ended bridesmaid status with gritty score last out for owner-trainer and former rider Keturah Obed-Letts.
RACE 6 – Rachel’s Turn S.
5-4-1-2
In the $75,000 Rachel’s Turn Stakes for state-bred two-year-old fillies, #5 Fancy Her Up (9-5) returns to the main track for owner-breeder-trainer John Casey and looms the one to beat here. #4 O K Smarty Pants (3-1) won at second asking for owner-breeder-trainer Michael Sterling after unlucky debut and merits respect in this spot. #1 The Sky Is Falling (5-2) overcame slow break to win debut effort and will have to overcome inside draw here for Runco. #2 La Cubana (10-1) graduated last out for trainer Victor Espinosa of Noble’s Honey fame and could forge mild surprise.
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RACE 7 – Last Enchantment Overnight S.
1-8-7-2
In the third stake on the card, the $40,000 Last Enchantment for state-breds, #1 Golden Key (5-2) was game second versus similar in allowance event last out and three-year-old gets the nod to turn the tables against older rivals for Brown. #8 Aaron’s Tap (2-1) ran down the top choice last out for first win in seven seasonal outings for Runco and repeat here would be no surprise here. #7 Hypothesis (7-2) typically does his best running late and could post mild upset here for trainer Crystal Pickett. #2 Rocket Appeal (10-1) could round out the gimmicks at a generous price.
RACE 8
8-7-5-3
In the Saturday night finale, a one-turn maiden $12,500 claimer for state-bred fillies and mares, #8 Handsome Joanie (7-2) gets favorable outside draw and appears set to graduate in this spot. #7 Split the Check (8-5) was solid fourth in return from seven-month respite and looms the likely favorite in here for trainer Kevin Joy. #5 Driven to Succeed (15-1) exits maiden special weight company and could complete several gimmicks at a big price. #3 Ex Rated (4-1) makes career debut in this spot.
LATEST NEWS
1st.I’ll stick with”Sassy Rick”for obvious reasons
and”beFriend Huckleberry”to carry out the Exacta.
2nd.”Heretodaygonmanana”is my life story but
I don’t worry,hope springs in my”Eternal Heart”so
I’ll give the last part to Casey at the bat.
3rd.”Amidships”slips today,so let’s feast on “Jungle Beast”
and have Joy when “Owen does his Magic”
4th.I like “Cheese Louise”to squeeze by the “CV”s and
“Arrowwood”could complete the Super.
Steady Teddy had the $84 first DD in the mix
and then had three in a row and still going.
I’ll hafta get back in action if I wanna save my reputation.
His streak continues,at least
I bailed out with the Tri for $30
5th.I have to agree with”Talking Teddy”
and “Roll Dem Bones”and”Run To Daylight”
to win this fight.
6th.”O K Smarty Pants”prances to”Fancy Her’s Upset”
but even”Cousin could Winnie”tonight.
7th.I can’t see”Golden Key”and”Rocket would Appeal”to me
if we were getting Nunez’s 7 pounds but without that”Laughing Cat”
can keep”Aaron’s Tap”from running away with this one.
8th.”Daffydill”can thrill but I’ll”Split The Check”with “Handsome Joanie”who’s no phoney.
8th. I saved face with “Handsome Joanie” $16.80
and that $19.30 Exacta.