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.

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.

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