Charles Town picks and analysis: February 25, 2023

Charles Town has an eight-race Saturday card. Post time is 7:00 p.m. Good luck!

Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6, $68,107

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RACE 1

1-3-2-5

In this interesting, two-turn maiden special weight event for fillies and mares to kick off the final live card of the month at Charles Town, #1 Infinite Empire (1-5) makes local debut after facing maiden special weight foes at Santa Anita last out and looks poised to prevail as the shortest-priced favorite on the program for trainer Jeff Runco. #3 Somebody Loves Me (6-1) was solid second against maiden claimers in local debut last out and could forge upset in favorite falters. #2 Lil Boss (10-1) was good third at the level last out for trainer Flint Stites and merits respect at a generous price here. #5 Linda’s Taj (5-1) was fourth against maiden special weight company last out and seeks to score in eighth career outing for trainer Linda Dohlinger-Stehr.

RACE 2

7-6-5-4

In this one-turn event for $10,000 claiming fillies and mares to cap the early daily double, #7 Dixie Yodeler (5-2) was solid second last out against similar for trainer Jack Hurley and gets favorable outside draw for this dash. #6 My Pretty Eyes (10-1) was modest fifth in seasonal debut for owner-trainer John McKee but should benefit from that effort here. #5 Castle Lights (8-5) prevailed last out for trainer Kevin Joy and seeks repeat bid as the likely favorite in this spot. #4 Stopwatchsonny (6-1) makes seasonal debut for trainer Crystal Pickett and third attempt to upend winners since graduating against maiden claimers last fall.

RACE 3

2-1-6-3

In this competitive, two-turn allowance for fillies and mares, #2 Dry Well (2-1) won her precious outing over the strip and returns after two good efforts at Laurel Park for trainer Henry Walters. #1 Far Away Love (8-5) recorded sharp score in local debut last out for trainer Javier Contreras and seeks second straight as likely post time favorite with coveted rail draw here. #6 Moonlit Shadow (5-2) makes seasonal debut for trainer Tim Grams and full-sister to former star Moonlit Song exits a pair of state-bred stakes for this spot. #3 Timeisgolden (12-1) also makes seasonal debut for trainer Stacey Viands of Parisian Diva fame and has rarely been off the board in her career thus far.

RACE 4

3-5-7-6

In this competitive and interesting, two-turn maiden special weight event for three-year-old males, #3 Mighty Minion (3-1) was second in previous local try and returns from solid effort at Penn National for trainer Kim Graci with good chance to garner diploma. #5 Home School (7-2) also returns from two tries elsewhere after good fourth-place effort in previous local try for trainer Norm “Lynn” Cash. #7 Reckless Affair (2-1) makes local debut following good effort against maiden claimers at Laurel Park for trainer Damon Dilodivico. #6 Elfuegomasbrilante (4-1) looms the most difficult name to pronounce on the card for announcer Paul Espinosa, Jr.

RACE 5

2-3-1-5

In this competitive, two-turn allowance for older males, #2 Get Off My Cloud (4-1) bested claimers last out and seeks second straight while making the jump to allowance level for trainer Wade Sanderson. #3 Timmy (7-2) was solid fourth against similar last out for trainer Kristy Gazzier and certainly could forge mild upset in this spot. #1 Rey O Reyes (9-2) defeated claimers last out and makes fifth start of busy campaign for trainer Jean Adorno. #5 Leg Up (8-5) looms the tepid choice while seeking to atone for fifth-place effort last out against claiming company.

RACE 6

8-7-5-3

In this interesting, one-turn maiden special weight dash for three-year-old fillies, #8 Irish Valentine (5-2) was solid second in career debut three weeks ago and looks poised to garner her diploma in this spot for trainer Crystal Pickett. #7 Calera Love (9-2) was third in debut before finishing fifth last out but gives Pickett solid chance to run one-two here. #5 Mims Second Chance (10-1) was good fourth last out at the level for trainer Anthony Rideoutt II and could complete several gimmicks at a generous price here. #3 Baby Bulldog (3-1) has been third in each of two seasonal outings and three straight overall for trainer David Rose and deserves a look in this spot.

RACE 7

3-8-2-5

In this interesting, two-turn allowance for state-bred fillies and mares, #3 Ellies Lil Castle (7-2) seeks third straight win to start the campaign for trainer Kristy Petty and could forge mild upset while doing so. #8 Lucylou Who (1-1) looms the logical favorite here for trainer Emanuel “Mike” Geralis and certainly merits respect despite outside draw here. #2 Katalima (10-1) was solid second against claimers and makes the leap back to allowance company for trainer Lela Hanagan. #5 Cousin Winnie (9-2) was solid third in seasonal debut for owner-trainer John McKee and deserves a look in this spot.

RACE 8

2-1-4-9

In the Saturday night finale, a two-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #2 Shackaboom (9-2) gets the nod for a mild upset for leading trainer Anthony Farrior. #1 Calypso Ghost (12-1) gets a favorable inside draw for second seasonal outing and could work out a decent trip at a generous price. #4 Stylish Paint (4-1) was modest fifth in seasonal debut last out for trainer Ronney Brown and figures to benefit from that effort. #9 Oneprettything (7-2) should get ample support despite outside draw.

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