Charles Town picks and analysis: January 14, 2023
Ted Black- January 14, 2023
Charles Town has an eight-race Saturday card. Post time is 7:00 p.m. Good luck!
Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6, $1,949
Check out our other handicapping here!
RACE 1
4-6-8-2
In the Saturday night opener, a very interesting, one-turn maiden special weight dash for three-year-old males, #4 Tacoma Austin (5-2) makes career debut for trainer Adam West off a series of solid works in Indiana and looms the tepid choice in this spot. #6 Buy Here Pay Here (3-1) also makes career debut off a series of local works for trainer Anthony Farrior and certainly merits respect here. #8 Itchy Palms (5-1) also makes career bow in this spot and gets favorable outside draw for trainer Kimberly Graci. #2 Baby Bulldog (7-2) seeks to graduate in fifth career try for trainer David Rose.
RACE 2
1-3-8-5
In this two-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #1 Magic in Me (6-1) exits tough starter allowance for trainer Anthony Farrior and could forge mild surprise in this spot. #3 Temporarily (2-1) was second last out after prevailing two back for trainer Ben Delong and merits respect here. #8 Divine Fashion (9-5) already owns a win this year and gives Farrior genuine chance to run one-two in this spot. #5 Shiny Penny (5-1) deserves a look here for mild upset for trainer Crystal Pickett.
- 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
8-7-1-2
In this competitive, one-turn dash for $5,000 claimers, #8 Alpha Queue (6-1) gets favorable outside draw for trainer Ralph Comi, Jr. and gets the nod for mild surprise in this spot. #7 Loaded Sniper (5-1) also gets favorable draw for trainer Charles Frock and should be in ideal stalking spot throughout. #1 Shacklefords Storm (3-1) has been consistent sort and will seek to overcome often tricky inside draw here. #2 Not a Trick (7-2) has ample speed and will certainly make his presence known.
RACE 4
4-3-6-7
In this interesting, two-turn allowance for three-year-old boys, #4 Haggersdale (5-2) graduated against maiden special weight foes in career debut last fall and returns to face winners in sophomore bow for trainer Ronney Brown #3 Bo’s Bourbon (4-1) makes local debut for trainer Amanda Rawlings and merits respect here. #6 Gabriel’s Wing (7-2) graduated against maiden special weight foes last out in eighth attempt for trainer Ollie Figgins III of Dance to Bristol fame and merits respect here. #7 Island d’Lite (9-2) graduated against maiden special weight foes here two back for trainer Anthony Farrior and returns following trip to Laurel.
RACE 5
9-4-1-5
In this one-turn dash for $15,000 claiming fillies and mares, #9 Castle Lights (6-1) gets the nod for mild upset with favorable outside post for trainer Kevin Joy. #4 Iron Lady Away (2-1) makes local debut for trainer Jonathan Wong after numerous outings in Indiana and Kentucky. #1 All Worked Up (5-2) graduated against maiden claimers last out for trainer Anthony Farrior and faces winners for the first time here. #5 Theladyistrue (9-2) appears the better of wo entrants in this spot for owner-breeder-trainer John McKee.
RACE 6
7-5-1-6
In this competitive, two-turn allowance for fillies and mares, #7 Whale of a Time (5-2) won two back for trainer Javier Contreras and gets chance to atone for fourth-place effort last out. #5 Lucylou Who (2-1) was good third last out after winning two back for trainer Emanuel “Mike” Geralis and looms the tepid choice in this spot. #1 Katalima (9-2) finished second against claimers last out after allowance win two back for owner-trainer Lela Hanagan and certainly merits respect here. #6 Juba Baby (6-1) graduated against maiden special weight foes last out for trainer Larry Curtis and tackles winners for the first time.
RACE 7
6-8-9-7
In this contentious and competitive, two-turn allowance for fillies and mares, #6 Emberly (5-2) arrives off a sharp second last out after winning two back for trainer Ronney Brown and looms the solid favorite in this spot. #8 Sayyestothelady (3-1) has finished second twice in three starts since posting a pair of victories for trainer John McKee and merits serious upset chance. #9 Jacks Sister Jill (9-2) was fifth last out off 15-month layoff and should be much fitter for this outing. #7 Church Key (12-1) could complete several gimmicks for trainer Glenn Harrison of Mean Bean fame.
RACE 8
1-4-5-8
In the Saturday night finale, a two-turn event for maiden $12,500 claimers, #1 Mohaymen Day (4-1) was solid second last out for owner-trainer Jerri Robertson and gets nod to graduate in this spot. #4 At the Gate (7-5) has been second in each of two local tries for trainer Jonathan Maldonado and could be odds-on here. #5 Manitoulin Island (5-1) makes local debut after three outings at Laurel Park for trainer Jose Corrales and merits respect in this spot. #8 Sweet Valeria (9-2) exits maiden special weight event for trainer Anthony Farrior and looms a danger in the finale.
- “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.
LATEST NEWS
1st.I don’t like first time starters at Charlie
so let’s take a flier;”Barb’s Pride”should get a good ride
but Orlando continues his comeback right here.
2nd.My passion for”Divine Fashion”is week
but there is some”Magic In Me”and I think a
“Shiny Penny”might turn up.
3rd.Ted may have a clue about”Alpha Queue”but
not me,I see”Freedom Ringing”winging right behind
the “Widget Factory” for Jack Hurley.
4th.Back from Penn,”Trejo”can go go but
“Island D;lite”just might and”Gabriel’s Wing”has some sting.
5th.”Castle Lights”may make it tight
and you can’t go far wrong with Wong,
I’m”All Worked Up”and hope”My Pretty Eyes”aren’t crying.
6th.”Lucylou Who” may have a
“Whale Of a Time”getty to Kristi Petty today.
7th.I’ll say”Yestothelady”but it might be
“Time To Get Up”to spring a”Lemondesurprise”tonight.
8th.”Mohaymon Day”should show the way,but
“At The Gate”does rate great.
I hope Charlestown does not put a frown on your face tonight.
OH NO! My comments didn’t come out?
I just gave out a $28 winner and a $166 exacta-COLD!
I see Barbosa is still doing very well,
but Del-Cid did have the first 3 at the DD.
Maybe Gomez will not win-he was a lock on nomination day.
If Frank wants to make me an offer,
I will make myself available.But I am willing
to play along for free.