Charles Town picks and analysis: July 16
Charles Town has an eight-race Saturday card. Post time is 7:00 p.m. Good luck!
Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6 $38,909
Check out our other handicapping here!
RACE 1
1-2-6-3
In the Saturday night opener, a three-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #1 Officer Appeal (1-5) likely gets the card off to a very chalky start for trainer Anthony Farrior while complemented by very favorable rail draw. #2 Step Out Dancing (6-1) draws alongside odds-on choice and has best chance for mild upset here for trainer and former jockey Keturah Obed-Letts. #6 Righteous Man (5-1) was solid third last out and could forge surprise in this spot for trainer Lenworth Sewell. #3 Chesapeake Charlie (9-2) was good second last out for trainer Edward Schotroffe and will be among those looking to topple railbound chalk in the opener.
RACE 2
1-6-4-3
In this two-turn allowance for state-bred fillies and mares that could cap a $3 early daily double payoff, #1 The Better One (3-5) prevailed smartly last out for owner-trainer and former jockey Kristy Petty and will be odds-on in repeat bid here. #6 Boundtobeok (5-1) was solid third last out for trainer James W. Casey and could forge mild upset here. #4 Jamestown Road (9-2) has been consistent sort and gives Casey outside chance to win one-two here. #3 Long Legs Louise (4-1) won two back and gets chance to atone for latest outing for trainer and former jockey William R. “Ray” Lewis, Jr.
- 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
1-7-6-2
In this interesting, two-turn event for starter/optional runners, #1 King Nekia (3-1) already boasts three wins this year and gets favorable rail draw for trainer Wade Sanderson with chance to atone for fifth-place effort last out. #7 Prota (9-5) was sharp second two back and gets chance for redemption in this spot for trainer Jeff Runco. #6 Fire Down Below (5-2) won last out and could repeat here despite six-week break for owner-trainer Amy Albright. #2 Nova Boy (5-1) gets good inside post and could forge mild surprise for trainer Ollie Figgins III.
RACE 4
1-2-3-4
In this competitive three-turn allowance for older runners, #1 Ghost Stalker (4-1) gets favorable rail draw for local debut following several very good efforts in Maryland for trainer Richard Sillaman. #2 Spitball (9-5) also draws well for trainer Anthony Farrior and likely assumes favorite’s role at post time. #3 Savoy (2-1) arrives off a pair of victories at Penn National and gives Farrior decent chance to run one-two here. #4 Northern Ridge (7-2) has been second and third in lone tries this year for trainer Jamey Johnson and certainly merits respect in this spot.
RACE 5
6-7-1-5
In this wide open, two-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #6 Holiday Avenue (5-1) is seeking to regain winning ways after earning diploma in April and can atone for latest two dull outings. #7 Unimpeached (5-2) makes local debut for trainer David Walters after spending most of his career at Gulfstream Park and certainly merits respect at a short price here. #1 Dashing Circles (8-5) gets favorable rail draw for trainer Ollie Figgins III of Dance to Bristol fame and will get plenty of support at the windows. #5 Boneyardholler (6-1) is also seeking first triumph since garnering diploma at Penn National five months ago.
RACE 6
4-3-2-1
In this interesting two-turn allowance for state-bred older males, #4 Humpty Grumpty (8-1) appears poised for a genuine upset i this spot for trainer Javier Contreras. #3 Ministry of Magic (4-1) has been consistent sort throughout for trainer Anthony Rideout II and merits respect here. #2 Shameless Risk (5-2) ended mild drought last out with victory and looms a threat for repeat effort in this spot. #1 Social Chic (2-1) gets favorable inside draw while seeking to regain solid sophomore form for trainer Jeff Runco.
- “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
4-2-5-1
In this very interesting one-turn allowance dash for older runners that could easily pass for a stake, #4 Penguin Power (2-1) showed plenty of zip in one-turn stakes last out and gets the nod for mild upset here for trainer Jeff Runco. #2 Hypothesis (7-5) won the $75,000 It’s Only Money last out in seasonal debut for trainer Crystal Pickett but had favorable outside draw that night and reverts inward in this spot. #5 Nico (3-1) also exits the It’s Only Money and looms a threat to upend top two choices here for trainer Javier Contreras. #1 Golden Key (10-1) has plenty of ability but Ronney Brown trainee is burdened with tricky rail draw once again.
RACE 8
3-1-10-11
In this competitive, two-turn allowance for state-breds to cap the card, #3 Blue N Gold (4-1) was sharp second last out on the heels of two third-place efforts and gets the nod for mild upset here for trainer Javier Contreras. #1 Road Slew (9-2) graduated two back and was good third at this level last out for trainer Ernesto Perez and merits respect with rail draw. #10 Mystic O’Shaunesie (7-2) scratched out of one-turn event for this spot but post could prove detrimental. #11 Felicias Castle (3-1) will get plenty of support if Kevin Patterson trainee gets in off the also eligible list.
LATEST NEWS
1st.”Officer Appeal”looks like the real deal,
but a”Righteous Man”can always overcome adversity.
2nd.I think”Long Legs Louise”may be “The Better One”tonight.
3rd.Amy is Allright and might have”Fire Down Below:ready to go.
And I Figgins”Nova Boy”may bring some joy.
4th.”Spitball”may get the call but I give the edge to”Northern Ridge”.
4th.
5th.”Walk to The Bank”and Cash your”Plunder”
if “Dashing Circles”doesn’y make you dizzy.
6th.Ted read my mind
and we’ll take a”Shameless Risk”
on”Humpty Grumpty”to keep”Social Chic”in check.
7th.”Penguin has the Power”but
“Hypothesis”should take this.
8th.I’m not sold on”Blue N Gold”so will be
so bold to go with”Mio Graceland”to beat this band.