Charles Town picks and analysis: September 17
Charles Town has an eight-race Saturday card. Post time is 7:00 p.m. Good luck!
Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6 $18,321
Check out our other handicapping here!
RACE 1 – The $40,000 Last Enchanment WV Overnight Stakes
2-3-1-5
In the Saturday night opener, a final tuneup for the $75,000 West Virginia Dash For Cash Stakes here next month, #2 Hypothesis (9-5) arrives off a sharp score in the Potomac Stakes last month and seeks to maintain winning ways for trainer Crystal Pickett. #3 Nico (3-1) was solid second behind the top choice in the Potomac last out for trainer Javier Contreras and certainly merits respect here. #1 Penguin Power (6-5) was the beaten favorite in the Potomac and will look to atone for trainer Jeff Runco. #5 Jefferson Native (6-1) was solid third in the Potomac last out for trainer Linda Dohlinger-Stehr and sophomore gets another chance against older foes in this spot.
RACE 2
4-2-1-5
In this two-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #4 Hummin’ the Funk (4-1) makes local debut for trainer Dale Capuano and gets the nod for mild upset here. #2 Cruz in the Castle (7-5) won last out for trainer Ronney Brown and looms the favorite despite modest two-month break. #1 I B Nasty (6-1) seeks first win in 11 tries this year for trainer Marc Raccnelli and gets favorable inside draw. #5 Offlee Graysful (9-2) goes in quest of first win in 18 seasonal outings for trainer Melvin Ovando and could complete several gimmicks.
- Im the Director solid fave in WV FuturityIt’s last call for state-bred 2-year-olds, and Im the Director will look to add a second stakes win to his resume.
RACE 3 – The $75,000 Rachel’s Turn Stakes
3-4-2-1
In the first of two stakes for state-bred juveniles, #3 Sail On Breeze (3-5) looms the one to beat in the Rachel’s Turn Stakes following a stellar debut score here for trainer Jeff Runco. #4 Strong Willed (5-2) also won at first asking over the strip for trainer Anthony Farrior and merits respect in this spot. #2 Lightnin Runner (6-1) posted 30-1 shocker in first two-year-old race here this summer for trainer Angel Rodriguez and will still be viewed as an outsider here. #1 Pure Nonsense (8-1) also won at first asking for owner-breeder-trainer John McKee and should be a factor despite tricky rail draw.
RACE 4 – The $75,000 Henry Mercer Memorial Stakes
4-5-3-6
In this prep for the upcoming Vincent Moscarelli Memorial Breeders’ Classic, #4 Teachintherelease (5-2) won at second asking for trainer John A. Casey and seeks repeat score here in the Mercer. #5 Xcellent Start (9-5) rallied to prevail in career debut for trainer Jeff Runco and looms the likely favorite in this spot. #3 Juba’s Notion (2-1) graduated smartly last out and gives Casey chance to run one-two here. #6 Paymengold (10-1) rebounded from modest debut effort to win at second asking for trainer Dewayne Johnson.
RACE 5
8-5-3-4
In this one-turn maiden special weight dash for two-year-olds, #8 Chrome Heir (3-1) makes career debut off a trio of sharp gate works for trainer Jeff Runco and should benefit from outside draw here. #5 Mo Eh Hennessy (5-1) was modest fifth against maiden claimers at Timonium for trainer Anthony Farrior and merits respect in this spot. #3 All About Lucky (2-1) makes local debut for trainer Angel Rodriguez and looms likely favorite following Colonial Downs outing. #4 Hesfiredup (6-1) also makes local debut for trainer Linda Wohlers who once saddled Runhappy to Grade I score.
RACE 6
6-8-9-1
In this two-turn allowance, #6 Jungle Beast (2-1) exits a pair of stakes races for trainer Javier Contreras and gets the nod to regain winning ways here. #8 San Antone (8-1) has been second twice and third once in three local tries for trainer Kieron Magee and could forge mild surprise here. #9 Demo Doctor (9-2) was solid second last out over the strip and certainly merits respect here for trainer Robert Klesaris. #1 Shameless Risk (7-2) won last out and gets favorable rail draw for possible repeat score for trainer Ronney Brown.
- “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
7-4-5-2
In this intriguing, three-turn allowance for state-breds, #7 Candy Invasion (5-2) has thrived at the distance for trainer John A. Casey and looms the one to beat here. #4 Fancy Concho (9-2) got elevated to top spot in the Frank Gall last out for trainer Tim Grams and merits respect at the distance. #5 No Change (2-1) faded as the favorite in the Gall and looks the regain winning ways for trainer John McKee. #2 ishihara (6-1) has been consistent sort throughout his career for trainer Jeff Runco and merits respect here at a decent price.
RACE 8
2-9-8-1
In the Saturday night finale, a competitive, interesting two-turn maiden special weight event for state-bred two-year-old fillies, #2 Impressionism (3-1) finished second in her career debut for trainer Jeff Runco and gets the nod to graduate here. #9 Patti Blue Eyes (4-1) has been second in each of her first two outings for trainer Anthony Farrior and looks to end bridesmaid status in this spot. #8 Livana (7-2) has been second and third in two local tries for trainer Ollie Figgins III and tried stakes company at Colonial Downs in between those starts. #1 Boundtobegreat (6-1) finished fifth in career debut for trainer John A. Casey but gets favorable rail draw for this spot.
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What a great card tonight,I wish I was there,
1st.My”Hypothesis”is”Penguin Power”will tower
over”Nico”.
2nd.Dale will be”Humming The Funk”when
“Cruz In The Castle”wins without hassle.
3rd.It’s”Pure Nonsense”that the inside
cannot win here,but”Strong Willed” cannot be killed.
4th.”Xcellent Start”should finish ahead of”Juba’s Notion”
but the”Lord Of Cork”could too.
1st.Good start for me,one,two,three….
2nd.Ted and Dale are”Humming The Funk”
while I’m whistling Dixie-2 in a row for the old pro.
3rd.My $10 horse didn’t get killed
but did get necked
4th.”Xcellent Start”did as predicted
but I neglected”Paymengold”.
5th.”Chrome Heir”may get there
but”Hesfiredup”might eat his sup.
6th.I’ll take a “Shameless Risk”in this
and say””Jungle Beast”will feast on these.
7th.”No Change”Looks Like Trouble but
I’ll double up because”Martin Man”can
make this fan very happy.
8th.”Patti Blue Eyes”flies,my”impressionism”
is she is “Boundtobegreat”
5th.”Hefiredup” did do the chalk in,
but “Where Did Mike”come from?
6th.At 3/5 it was a sweat and
he wooda ran away with it if he
didn’t get that crop in the face.
7th.How sweet it is,Candy Invasion”made Ted’s fans fat.
While my ?Martin Man”ran like he had a can of rocks tied to his tail.
8th.No Comment.
“Patti made my brown Eyes Blue”
and Ted’s too.
Vaya con Dios amigos…and others.