Charles Town picks and analysis: August 20
Charles Town has an eight-race Saturday card. Post time is 7:00 p.m. Good luck!
Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6 $19,299
Check out our other handicapping here!
RACE 1
6-5-2-1
In the Saturday night opener, a one-turn dash for maiden $12,500 claimers, #6 Small Paw (8-5) gets favorable outside draw here for owner-trainer Angelo Jackson and should find ideal spot for garnering diploma. #5 Chippewa’s Castle (3-1) exits maiden special weight contests after four modest tries for trainer Ronney Brown and merits respect here. #2 Manhattan Weave (9-5) finally exits maiden special company after nine outings for trainer Diana McClure and certainly cannot be overlooked. #1 Chartered Course (6-1) gives Brown outside chance to run one-two here despite tricky rail draw.
RACE 2
5-1-4-6
In this one-turn dash for $5,000 claimers, #5 Widget Factory (2-1) was good third last out after winning two back for trainer Kevin Joy and could regain winning ways here in minor upset. #1 Bull Shark (7-5) exits tougher spot and looms likely favorite for trainer Ronny brown despite often tricky rail draw. #4 Brian’s Avenue (3-1) won two back for trainer David Walters and could atone for latest outing here. #6 Cash for the Soul (10-1) gets favorable outside draw and could complete several gimmicks at a generous price.
- 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
3-1-7-4
In this interesting, competitive, two-turn maiden special weight event for older runners, #3 It Beast All (3-1) was good third in local debut last out after several decent tries at Laurel and Gulfstream and gets nod for mild upset for trainer Anthony Farrior. #1 Addy’s Laddy T N T (2-1) makes local debut for trainer Henry Walters and looms choice in this spot. #7 Chargeittothegame (5-2) was solid third in local debut last out and gives Farrior good chance to run one-two here. #4 El Patojo (6-1) makes local debut for trainer Steve Copper and merits respect in this spot.
RACE 4
2-1-5-6
In this two-turn event for state-bred $5,000 claimers, #2 Ellie’s Lil Man (8-5) returns from two starts against tougher at Mountaineer Park and looms solid choice here for trainer John Carlisle. #1 True Crossing (12-1) gets favorable rail draw for trainer Crystal Pickett and merits respect at a generous price. #5 Cayenne Creek (7-5) was solid third last out and won two back and will get ample support here. #6 Jacklighting (7-2) exits numerous allowance events and returns to a winnable spot for owner-trainer C. Allen Johnson.
RACE 5
5-2-8-1
In this two-turn event for $4,000 claiming fillies and mares, #5 Heretodaygonemanana (9-5) appears to have right spot to end prolonged drought for trainer Anthony Farrior. #2 Secret Castle (8-5) was good third last out and seeks third win of the campaign as likely tepid choice here. #8 Longstorylucy (6-1) was decent fifth in belated seasonal debut earlier this month for trainer Ronney Brown and should improve off that effort. #1 Catherines Warrior (12-1) gets favorable rail draw and could complete several gimmicks at a generous price.
RACE 6
1-2-6-5
In this two-turn event for $10,000 claimers, #1 Grecian Admiral (2-1) exits a pair of tougher events and returns to very winnable spot while getting coveted rail draw for trainer Vernon Greaves. #2 Plonder (6-1) prevailed in his previous outing over the strip and merits respect at a generous price seeking repeat score for trainer Norm Cash. #6 Elvirus (5-2) was solid second two back over the strip and gets chance to atone for Colonial Downs outing for trainer Kristy Gazzier. #5 Divine Proportion (9-2) makes local debut for trainer Mike E. Butts and could forge mild surprise here.
- “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
3-5-1-2
In this rare, three-turn event for starter optional $5/10,000 claimers, #3 Ghost Stalker (3-1) was fourth two starts back in local allowance and looks to have found winnable spot here for trainer Richard Sillaman. #5 Jayjaydee (8-5) has been first twice and second twice in last four local outings for trainer Anthony Farrior and looms the solid favorite here. #1 Northern Ridge (7-2) was sharp winner over the strip last out and gets favorable draw for repeat bid for trainer Jamey Johnson. #2 Martin Man (6-1) was good fourth at allowance level last out and merits respect here.
RACE 8
8-7-3-2
In the Saturday night finale, a one-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #8 Smellslikemoney (5-1) was sharp second in last outing and gets nod for mild upset for trainer Mark Shanley courtesy of favorable outside draw. #7 King T’challa (8-1) also gets favorable draw and looks for second win in busy campaign and 29th career outing overall. #3 Quick Wit (7-5) won his career debut against maiden claimers here two back for trainer Hugh McMahon and looms a possible odds-on choice by post time. #2 About to Rage (9-2) appears stronger half of uncoupled entry for trainer Crystal Pickett and merits respect in this spot.
LATEST NEWS
I’m not playing this way
vaya con Dios,amigos.
Where’s the rest?
It says “3”three comments,where’s my other 2,huh?
1st.”Small Paw”does not draw me in,
but”Chartered of Course”sure does.
2nd.This should be a lark for “Bull Shark”
but maybe”Brian’s Avenue” could make a mark.
3rd.Unless”Chargeittothegame”goes lame this
he leaves”Little Bud”to be desired.
4th.”Ellie’s Lil Man”sure can but don’t
be tossing “True Crossing”.
5th.”Longstorylucy”looks juicy,
you might be bereft if you go with Tony F.
6th.Don’t grieve with Greaves,
count your”Plonder”with Grazzier.
7th.I see”Jayjaydee”but give
the edge to”Northern Ridge”.
8th.”Quick Wit”sits the trip and”Smellslikemoney”to me.
1st.The Post Position obsession doesn’t serve Ted well,
as I predicted”Small Paw”didn’t win the draw.
2nd.”Bull Shark”didn’t worry us chalk players.
3rd.I wrote”Chargeittothegame”couldn’t lose unless
he went lame,but he bolted instead.
Nobody and his brother had “Proud Union”.
4th.Me and”Ellie’s Lil Man”sure can at a nifty $10.60.
5th.My”Longstorylucy”cam up short but”Secret Castle”did provide the hassle.
“Chit Chat Girl”shat on my exacta.
6th.Kristy did provide the”Plonder”here,thank you dear.