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
Check out our other handicapping here!
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.
- Teachintherelease goes all the way in Funkhouser MemorialTeachintherelease got an unexpectedly easy early lead and turned that into a front-running score in Saturday’s Randy Funkhouser Memorial Stakes.
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.
- “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
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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1st.Don’t toss”Lil Boss”but I see”Somebody Loves Me” not that CA shipper.
2nd.”Castle Lights”looks right but I said a “Lunar Prayer”
that “My Pretty Eyes”really tries.
3rd.I won’t”Miss Chamita”but think,”Far Away Love” looks well above.
4th.I’ll pool”Home School”with Dilodovico and hope to Cash.
3 outa 4 right on top
Ted is hot tonight-I’m
as cold as ice.
5th.I’ll”Get Off My Cloud”
and give a “Leg Up”to Brown to take them down.
6th.I’ll give”Mims a Second Chance”but Pickett Crystal
to fill the exacta.
7th.I see McKee amd Hanagan who can
chase”Lucylou Who”into the Winners Circle.
8th.”Shackaboom”does loom but geez”Cheese Louise”
looks like”Oneprettything”to bring in the last-hope you all hadda blast.
Very chalky night,
sleep tight.