Charles Town picks and horses to watch: April 22

Charles Town Races has an eight-race card on tap for this evening. Post time for the opener is 7:00 p.m., and we’ve got Charles Town picks.

Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6, $33,234

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE

Race 4

CONTENDERS

1-4-3-6

ANALYSIS

There’s a ton of speed in this allowance contest, with several likely to be vying for early supremacy. That may end up being good news for #1 Midnight Shift (6-1). This one has run a pair of good ones, finishing second in both, since shifting into the Farrior barn and might catch an ideal setup in here. Looking for a negative? Top rider Bocachica jumps ship, heading to the other Farrior trainee, #4 Jayjaydee (9-5). This one had a two-race win streak snapped when fading to third last time in a Laurel Park starter allowance. He’ll certainly be engaged early in this one and rates a big shot to be part of the exacta… The speed of the speed likely will be #3 Odie (5-2), who is pretty much always on the lead at the first call. He was a good second last out against similar, and winner Combination returned to win again against allowance foes… #6 Tweet This (10-1) was on the engine last time but is more likely to be off the pace here. The compact field probably works to his advantage, and he’ll need an improved effort in his second off a two-month break…

Race 7

2-7-5-8

Looking forward to seeing #2 The Sky Is Falling (2-1) back in action. The Jeff Runco trainee won three of four last year as a freshman, scoring in two stakes, including the WVBC Triple Crown Nutrition. This will be her first start of the season, and she’ll have to tackle older rivals, but she’s got all kinds of class… It’s a bit of a curious spot for #7 Gwynedd (10-1) to land, but if the morning line is close to what you actually get, she might be worth a flier. This one was an easy winner last out in maiden company at Laurel Park at a level — maiden claiming $40,000 — that compares favorably with maiden specials here at CT. It’s unclear why trainer Perkins feels the need to ship out of town to run, but if the odds are square, give her a look… #5 Someday Is Today (5-2) ran poorly last out but certainly fits in this company. Bocachica takes our top choice, but note that trainer Farrior entices Laurel-based rider Jevian Toledo for just the one mount… #8 Moonlit Shadow (6-1) sure is consistent, and while she doesn’t win much, she’s just about always on the board…

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