Charles Town picks and analysis: February 11, 2023
Charles Town has an eight-race Saturday card. Post time is 7:00 p.m. Good luck!
Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6, $37,395
Check out our other handicapping here!
RACE 1
1-7-4-2
In the Saturday night opener, a two-turn maiden $15,000 claiming event for state-bred fillies and mares, #1 Odina (7-2) gets the nod for a mild upset to kick off the card for trainer Ollie Figgins III of Dance to Bristol fame. #7 Isle Be There (6-5) was solid second at this level last out after exiting maiden special weight company and looms a potential odds-on choice here for trainer Jeff Runco. #4 Awesome Moon (5-2) has been third and fourth in two tries at this level since leaving maiden special weight foes and merits respect her for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. #2 Ellies At Windsor (15-1) could complete several gimmicks at a generous price for trainer and former jockey Kristy Petty.
RACE 2
4-1-5-2
In this interesting, two-turn starter allowance for fillies and mares to cap the early daily double, #4 Dulcimer Dame (7-5) has already won a pair of similar events to kick off the campaign for trainer Anthony Farrior and looks for a third straight score as the likely odds-on selection. #1 Sheriff’s Kid (5-1) was second at this level two back and exits allowance company last out and looms a threat with coveted rail draw. #5 Divine Fashion (4-1) has also already recorded a pair of wins to start the year and gives Farrior solid chance to run one-two in this spot. #2 Miner’s Gem (6-1) makes seasonal debut here for trainer Hugh McMahon but boasts seven wins in 20 prior outings and deserves a look.
- 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
5-3-8-1
In this competitive, two-turn $5,000 claiming event for fillies and mares, #5 Lady Whistledown (7-2) makes her local debut for trainer Carlos Mancilla and gets the nod for mild upset here. #3 Maysville Miss (2-1) was solid second at the level last out for Farrior and looms the logical favorite in this spot. #8 Irish Samurai (5-2) was good third last out for trainer Ronney Brown and will get ample support despite outside draw. #1 Pretty Spectacular (8-1) gets favorable rail draw and could complete several gimmicks at a generous price here.
RACE 4
5-4-3-2
In this interesting, one-turn starter allowance dash for older males, #5 Company Clown (6-5) makes seasonal debut after ending previous campaign with a win and seeks second straight here for trainer David Walters. #4 Ruling (5-2) prevailed against claimers in his seasonal debut for trainer Jack Hurley and seeks second straight tally and mild upset in this spot. #3 Kukulkan (5-1) also arrives off a win in his seasonal debut for trainer MIguel Ramos Agosto and looks for mild surprise here. #2 Black Candy (12-1) makes seasonal debut in here for trainer Mark Tomczak after facing tougher in last three outings at Mountaineer Park.
RACE 5
1-2-7-6
in this wide open, two-turn maiden $5,000 claiming event for fillies and mares, #1 Mo Stylish (4-1) makes local debut after facing tougher at other venues and gets favorable draw with solid chance to garner diploma in 14th attempt. #2 Kathy Only (15-1) makes career debut off series of modest workouts but looks poised to play a genuine spoiler role here. #7 Kerford’s Commish (5-1) makes local debut for owner-trainer Justin Nixon and cannot be overlooked in this spot. #6 Unbridled Irish (3-1) returns after several outings at Laurel Park for trainer Anthony Farrior and looms the tepid favorite here.
RACE 6
5-1-2-7
In this rare, intriguing, three-turn starter allowance event for older males, #5 Honor the Fleet (3-1) was second in recent local outing and gets the nod for very mild upset here for trainer Kieron Magee. #1 Jammin Jimtown (5-2) won at this level last out for trainer Wade Sanderson and looms the likely favorite from the coveted rail here. #2 Improbable Story (7-2) makes local debut off two recent tries at Turfway Park and certainly merits respect in this spot. #7 Albertano (4-1) has started the year well at Laurel and gives Magee decent chance to run one-two 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
7-3-1-4
In the Saturday night feature, an interesting, one-turn allowance dash for fillies and mares, #7 Ghostly Squall (3-1) gets favorable outside draw for seasonal debut for owner-breeder-trainer John McKee and rates a mild upset here. #3 Merci Road (7-5) was sharp second last out for trainer Anthony Farrior and has been the runner-up three times over the strip since graduating at Colonial Downs last summer. #1 Deemed Essential (4-1) was solid second in seasonal debut after besting claimers two back and gives Farrior decent chance to run one-two in this spot. #4 Shutupn’kissme (8-1) was modest fourth in local debut following a victory against claimers and gives McKee modest chance to run one-two here.
RACE 8
2-1-8-7
In the Saturday night finale, a two-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #2 Clearly Visible (8-1) was solid third in seasonal debut last out for trainer Kevin Joy and gets the nod for mild surprise in the nightcap. #1 Ravenel (10-1) makes seasonal debut after ending previous campaign with a win and could forge mild upset here for trainer Chris Harting. #8 China Cat (2-1) exits two tougher spots and looms the solid post time choice here for trainer Wade Sanderson. #7 Temporarily (5-2) was solid second in seasonal debut for trainer Ernest Haynes of Lake Ponchatrain fame and merits respect in this spot.
LATEST NEWS
1st”.Isle Be There”where Runco is on the finish line,
but”Only Romance”has a long chance for Figgins.
2nd.”Miner’s Gem”comes up Hugh and could tame
“Dulcimer Dame”
3rd.”Maysville will not Miss”in this but
“Supersnake”may make Sandoval feel jovial tonight.
4th.I’m down on”Company Clown”but have some
gusto for Agosto”because I’m a fan of “Kukulkan”.
I always get better as the night goes on,
the 4th,is the start of my winning straek.
5th.I”Can’t Figure”any”Mo Stylish”in here,dear,
or “Unbridled Irish”but will not
put the Nix-on “Kerford’s Commish”to win this.
6th.I see Magee,Magee as a not”Improbable Story”to get the glory.
7th.Don’t bawl if”Ghostly Squall”don’t take all,
but say”Shutupn’Kissme”when McKee can’t Bushey-whack”DeemedEsentail.
8th.You win;t get fat with”China Cat” and you’ll be
hurting if you bet Harting,but Oh boy Kevin Joy
has some serious”Marketability”tonight.
I hope my picks get in so you can bring my
prices down when we win tonight.
5th. Second and third get me turd.
6th.Magee disappointed me,
but”Improbable Story”got the glory