Charles Town picks and analysis: July 23

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

Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6 $3,535

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RACE 1

2-1-3-4

In this two-turn maiden $5,000 claiming event for fillies and mares to kick off the card, #2 Shesahumblehustler (7-2) was solid second last out and gets the nod for mild upset in the opener for trainer Tim Shanley. #1 Fessin Up (5-2) gets favorable rail draw for owner-trainer John Stahlin and will be a factor throughout. #3 Mangorita (2-1) likely assumes the role as tepid favorite at post time but certainly respect here for trainer David Walters. #4 Wanta Ballerina (8-1) could work out a favorable trip and complete several gimmicks at a generous price here.

RACE 2

6-5-4-2

In this competitive, one-turn allowance dash for fillies and mares, #6 Black Panda (8-1) has won last two against claimers and could forge mild upset seeking third straight for trainer Lela Hanagan. #5 Got Your Number (6-1) seeks first win in five tries this year for trainer Crystal Pickett and gets favorable draw here. #4 Tiz the Reason (2-1) has been second in each of last two for trainer Ronney Brown but already boasts four wins in nine tries this year and looms the potential odds-on choice. #2 Gary Doing Biz (3-1) is also winless in four previous tries this year but gives trainer David Walters chance to sweep early daily double.

RACE 3

4-8-7-9

In this interesting, one-turn maiden special weight event for state-bred two-year-old males, #4 Teachintherelease (2-1) was sharp second in career debut and looks poised to graduate at second asking for trainer John A. Casey. #8 Aye Wrote the Song (3-1) was modest fifth in career debut for onwer-breeder-trainer John McKee and gets favorable post switch for this outing. #7 Juba’s Notion (7-2) makes career debut in this spot and gives trainer John A. Casey chance to run one-two here. #9 Just a Flirt (12-1) gets favorable outside draw for career debut for owner-breeder-trainer John McKee and could complete several gimmicks at a generous price.

RACE 4

2-5-7-6

In this competitive, one-turn allowance dash for state-bred fillies and mares, #2 Snowy Juba Cat (8-5) has been second in each of two seasonal outings for trainer Curtis Bass but looks poised to prevail here as the solid favorite. #5 Shenandoah Cat (3-1) graduated last out after running third in each of first three outings for trainer Javier Contreras and looms main threat to the choice in this spot. #7 True Flirt (6-1) was solid third last out for trainer and former local jockey William R. “Ray” Lewis and gets favorable outside draw with upset chance. #6 Real Appeal (5-1) has been second in each of last two tries against claimers after needing 20 tries to graduate.

RACE 5

6-10-9-8

In this interesting, two-turn allowance for state-breds, #6 My Boy Clyde (3-1) won last out against older foes for trainer Javier Contreras and gets the nod to repeat in this spot. #10 Penguin Parade (2-1) has been second in each of last three outings for trainer Jeff Runco and bypassed Leavitt for this spot. #9 C R’s Uncle Lino (4-1) has won last two outings for trainer Tim Grams and also bypassed Leavitt to run here. #8 Hopping Henry (10-1) is still seeking to regain freshman form for trainer Michael Sterling.

RACE 6 $75,000 Sylvia Bishop Memorial

4-2-6-5

In the first of two, $75,000 stakes for state-bred runners, #4 The Sky Is Falling (2-1) has won her last two starts and five of seven overall for trainer Jeff Runco and owner David Raim and defending state-bred juvenile filly champ looks poised to hold onto her crown through this event. #2 Seneca Rocks (7-2) defeated allowance foes last out first time trying two turns for trainer Javier Contreras and looms a genuine threat here. #6 Silky Serena (9-5) has won two straight one-turn stakes and tries two turns for the first time for trainer John McKee. #5 Hessica (5-1) was sharp winner of two-turn allowance last out for owner-trainer-breeder and former jockey Kristy Petty and certainly merits respect here.

RACE 7 – $75,000 Robert Leavitt Memorial

3-6-7-5

In the second of two, $75,000 stakes races on the card, #3 Jungle Beast (2-1) has won his last two and three of four this year for trainer Javier Contreras and owner-breeder O’Sullivan Farms and looks poised to add second stakes tally to his resume. #6 Well Equipped (4-1) rebounded from two dull outings to post sharp score last out for trainer Crystal Pickett and merits respect in stakes debut. #7 Late in the Game (3-1) has been second in four straight and seven times in 13 career tries for trainer James W. Casey but was second to top choice in the West Virginia Futurity here last fall. #5 Run to Daylight (8-1) was champion state-bred two-year-old male last year but still in search of first sophomore success for trainer Jeff Runco.

RACE 8

8-6-4-2

In the Saturday night finale, an interesting, one-turn maiden special weight event for state-breds, #8 Thunder Kitten (3-1) was solid second in belated seasonal debut two weeks ago for trainer Javier Contreras and gets favorable outside draw in this spot. #6 Unison (9-5) was sharp second in career debut for owner-breeder-trainer Larry Curtis and looms the post time choice here. #4 Evanesco (4-1) has been second and third in first two tries for trainer Joseph Stehr and merits respect in this spot. #2 Personable (5-1) makes career debut off a series of good works for Contreras and could forge mild surprise at first asking.

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