Charles Town picks and analysis: August 13
Charles Town has an eight-race Saturday card. Post time is 7:00 p.m. Good luck!
Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6 $9,988
Check out our other handicapping here!
RACE 1
5-1-7-6
In the Saturday night opener, a two-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #5 Suzysellsseashells (3-1) exits allowance company and returns to very winnable spot for owner-trainer Kevin Joy. #1 Tiz Michelle’s Way (9-2) has been first, second and fourth in last three outings against claiming company and certainly merits respect here for trainer Chris Keller. #7 Marketability (5-2) exits allowance company and won two back against similar and looms likely favorite here for trainer Ronney Brown. #6 Torch Carrier (4-1) has been second and third in two local tries for trainer Charles Frock and appears an obvious contender in the opener.
RACE 2
8-7-5-4
In this interesting and intriguing, one-turn maiden special weight dash for state-breds that appears loaded with potential stars, #8 Pinnacle Reef (3-5) makes his career debut off a pair of ‘bullet’ works for trainer Jeff Runco and Coleswood Farm homebred gets favorable outside draw. #7 Neverpopthecork (8-1) also makes career debut for owner-breeder-trainer John A. Casey and may be a generous price thanks to the presence of Runco trainee. #5 Time to Choose (6-1) also makes career debut in this salty event and gives Casey outside chance to run one-two. #4 Just a Flirt (5-1) finished fourth in his career debut for owner-breeder-trainer John McKee and experience edge could vault him into the exacta.
- Sea Dancer gets valuable stakes win in CarouselSea Dancer, a younger half-sis to one of the top turf horses in the country, earned her first stakes win in Saturday’s Carousel at Laurel Park.
RACE 3
10-9-1-6
In this competitive, one-turn dash for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #10 Not for Gold (7-2) gets favorable outside draw for trainer Keith Brown and rates mild upset prospect. #9 Lady Liciious (9-2) also draws well for trainer Lela Hanagan and should make her presence known throughout. #1 Martha’s Banner (9-5) looms the solid favorite for trainer Crystal Pickett despite tricky rail draw. #6 Letts Go to Dixies (5-1) merits respect here for trainer and former local rider Keturah Obed-Letts.
RACE 4
7-2-5-3
In the second half of split, maiden special weight event for state-breds, #7 Juba’s Notion (7-5) was solid second in career debut for owner-breeder-trainer John A. Casey and gets the nod to graduate here. #2 Xcellent Start (1-1) makes career debut off a series of ‘bullet’ works for trainer Jeff Runco and could graduate at first asking at a short price. #5 Areyougonnakissme (8-1) makes career debut for owner-breeder-trainer John McKee and merits respect at a decent price. #3 No Love for Juba (10-1) gives Casey outside chance to run one-two in this event.
RACE 5
8-4-7-6
In this one-turn maiden $10,000 claiming event, #8 Tough One (8-1) gets favorable outside draw and looks poised for mild upset here for trainer Robert Laster. #4 Deemed Essential (7-5) looms the solid favorite in this spot for trainer Anthony Farrior, but odds-on price could be too tough to take. #7 Kymmies Chardonnay (6-1) also draws well for trainer Crystal Pickett and could earn diploma as mild surprise. #6 Salty Saul (8-1) merits respect here for trainer Carlos Mancilla in wide open affair.
RACE 6
1-2-5-3
In this two-turn maiden $5,000 claiming event, #1 Shesahumblehustler (4-1) gets favorable inside draw for trainer Tim Shanley and gets the nod for mild upset here. #2 Don’t Tell Grandma (7-2) also draws well for trainer Jeff Runco and will get ample support seeking diploma. #5 Supersnake (3-1) makes local debut for trainer Angel Rodriguez after facing tougher at Colonial Downs and Gulfstream Park and looms tepid choice here. #3 Fessin Up (10-1) appears better of two for trainer John Stahlin in this event and could complete several gimmicks at a generous price.
- “Miracle” horse All Caps wins first in two yearsAll Caps nearly died from an infection two years ago. So how did she get to the winner’s circle at Charles Town Saturday? “A miracle,” says her owner.
RACE 7
8-5-4-3
In this interesting, one-turn allowance dash, #8 Derby Day Dreams (5-1) gets favorable outside draw and appears primed for mild upset here for trainer Donald Barber. #5 Brion (7-2) won two starts back but will have to atone for latest outing for trainer Michael Stidham. #4 Jefferson Native (3-1) has won last two since exiting Coin Collector Stakes for trainer Linda Dohlinger-Stehr and merits respect in three-peat bid. #3 Math Man Marco (5-2) won the Coin Collector three starts back but will have to atone for latest outing against similar.
RACE 8
4-6-8-3
In the Saturday night finale, a one-turn maiden special weight dash for state-breds, #4 In High Gear (5-2) has been second in each of last two tries against similar and may finally garner diploma for trainer Tim McDonald. #6 Jefferson Security (3-1) makes career debut off a series of good workouts for trainer Tim Grams and could graduate at first asking. #8 Rough Start (2-1) returns from nine-month respite for owner-breeder-trainer Chris Keller but may need a start. #3 Timmy (8-1) has certainly been erratic sort for trainer Kristy Gazzier but merits respect at a big price here.
LATEST NEWS
1st.Keep an eye on”Devilish Beauty”,she’s a cutie,
but “Susiesellsseashells”looks very well.
2nd.Those who bet”Pinnacle Reef”will come to grief.
I’ll give our new young squirt Mendez a shot on”Just A Flirt”.
3rd.I won’t raise”Martha’s Banner”and”Not For Gold”leaves me cold.
So Lela’s”Lady Licious”looks delicious and”California Suzy”might be a doozy.
4th.I can’t give”Xcellent Start”any part of my money but won’t
miss”Areyougonnakissme”to”Xit Now”
1st. Who?
2nd.I hope I got you off the 4/5 shot
3rd.”Lady Licious”surely delivered: $18 even,wooda been a good exacta wheel.
4th.I wrote too soon,”Xcellent Start”paid 9/5,not a bad return.
5th.”Deemed Esential”looks like a “Tough One”
but “Lucky Us”we have a”Splendid View”.
6th.”Supersnake”may be a fake,I’m”Fessin Up”
to liking”Shesahumblehustler”.
7th.My”Math Man Marco”looks”Fiber Strong”
and can make your:Derby Day Dreams”into a nightmare.
8th.Keller ain’t no killer but”Rough Start”can
get into”High Gear”and beat”Timmy”into winning.
5th.”Deemed….”creamed ’em.
6th.”Supersnake”was a real fake.
7th.”Math Man Marco”got squeezed,”Jefferson Native”shudda come down.
8th.Left you with”Timmy”winning,
the others scratched $8.20 ain’t big money,
but it ain’t hay I’d say.