Charles Town picks and analysis: April 1, 2023

  • userTed Black
  • dateApril 1, 2023

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

Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6, $13,237

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RACE 1

3-6-4-7

In the Saturday night opener to kick off the April portion of the slate here, an interesting, two-turn maiden special weight event for older runners, #3 Awesome Strike (7-5) has been second in each of last three at three different ovals and makes local debut for trainer Robert Bailes on the doorstep of diploma. #6 Moses Water (8-5) finished third at Laurel last out against maiden claimers and was second here two back at this level for trainer Anthony Farrior and certainly merits respect in this spot. #4 Malibu Rock Star (6-1) was solid third last out at this level for trainer Stacey Viands of Parisian Diva fame and deserves upset consideration. #7 Faneuil Hall (9-2) was fourth at Laurel last out and was second once, third twice and fourth three times in six previous outings against similar rivals here for trainer Kristy Gazzier and cannot be entirely overlooked.

RACE 2

1-4-6-2

In this two-turn event for $15,000 claimers to cap the early daily double, #1 Night Boss (3-1) gets favorable inside draw for trainer Ronney Brown and gets the nod for mild upset here. #4 Pyeong Chang (5-2) looms the tepid post time choice in this spot for trainer Jeff Runco and certainly merits respect. #6 Baagy (4-1) has been consistent sort for trainer Kevin Joy and appears the stronger half of his uncoupled tandem here. #2 Manhattan Weave (8-1) gives Joy outside chance to run one-two here and could complete several gimmicks at a generous price.

RACE 3

3-1-5-2

In this two-turn starter optional event for state-bred older, #3 Auburn Mill (1-1) has been second twice in three allowance outings and exits that group to a very winnable spot here for trainer Anthony Farrior although likely as an odds-on proposition. #1 Rip Thorn (8-1) makes seasonal debut for owner-trainer Tim Collins but gets favorable draw and merits respect while fresh and fit. #5 Never Compromise (5-2) won two back at this level for trainer Ollie Figgins III of Dance to Bristol fame and gets chance to atone for sixth-place effort last out. #2 Bright Dawn (6-1) regained winning ways belatedly recently and gives Farrior outside chance to run one-two here.

RACE 4

1-5-6-3

In this competitive, two-turn $5,000 claiming event for older horses, #1 Hair Of The Dog (3-1) gets favorable inside draw for trainer Ernesto Perez and gets the nod for mild upset in this group. #5 Ridiculous (5-2) has been consistent sort throughout and looms the likely post time choice here for Farrior and certainly cannot be dismissed. #6 Beyond the Bend (4-1) makes local debut for trainer Kim Graci while looking to end eight-month skid dating back to last summer. #3 Auts Revolution (10-1) was second in each of first two starts this year but will look to atone for last two at a generous price here for trainer Crystal Pickett.

RACE 5

8-7-6-5

In this interesting, one-turn allowance dash for state-bred fillies and mares, #8 Stryda (5-2) was solid second to fleet-footed next-out winner Great Spirit and appears set to sail from favorable outside slot for trainer Jamey Johnson. #7 Cherokee Castle (3-1) has been second and third in last two tries at the level and certainly merits respect here with favorable draw for trainer Ronney Brown. #6 La Maddelena (5-1) graduated three back for trainer Crystal Pickett and makes third try to topple winners here. #2 Dreamy Sonde (7-2) graduated nicely in her career debut three weeks ago and seeks second straight score while tackling winners for the first time for trainer Jeff Runco.

RACE 6

1-3-6-5

In this competitive, two-turn allowance for older runners, #1 Sag Harbor (10-1) gets favorable inside draw for trainer Ben Delong and gets the nod for genuine surprise and likely biggest price of the night in $25 range. #3 Missionsninetynine (5-2) was good second last out and won three back for trainer Ronney Brown and looms the tepid post time choice in this spot. #6 Bar Fourteen (7-2) was solid second in local debut last out for trainer Rachel Sells and certainly merits respect here. #5 Gallant Gold (5-1) was good third in local debut last out for trainer John Salzman, Jr. and cannot be entirely overlooked.

RACE 7

9-8-6-3

In this one-turn dash for $15,000 claimers, #9 Bigz’s Cabana Boy (6-1) gets favorable outside draw for trainer Jack Hurley and gets the nod for mild surprise in competitive group. #8 Golquist (5-1) also gets a favorable spot for trainer Ralph Comi, Jr. and merits respect at a modest price. #6 Primetime Jet (7-5) looms the potential odds-on choice here for trainer Kevin Patterson and will be the one they need to run down late. #3 Timmy (9-2) has been consistent sort all season for trainer Kristy Gazzier and merits respect in this spot.

RACE 8

1-4-7-9

In this very competitive, two-turn allowance for older runners, #1 C R’s Mandate (4-1) has ample back class for trainer Raimondo Schiano-DiCola of Gabriel’s Smile fame and gets favorable inside draw and nod for mild upset. #4 Juba’s Notion (3-1) has won both of his starts this year for trainer Kristy Petty and late owner-breeder John A. Casey and seeks third straight score against salty older bunch. #7 Hot Fudge Sonde (5-2) has been second and third last two for trainer Jamey Johnson and looms the tepid post time choice in this deep group. #9 Run to Daylight (8-1) will look to atone for latest outing two months back for trainer Jeff Runco.

RACE 9

3-4-7-10

In the Saturday night finale, a two-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #3 Dejohn (4-1) won last out in his local debut and gets the nod for a mild upset in the nightcap for trainer Anthony Aguirre. #4 Dreamers Reward (7-2) has been second twice in four seasonal tries at Penn National and makes local debut with solid chance to prevail here. #7 Its Over (3-1) has been second in each of last two over the strip for trainer Lloyd Scott, Jr. and certainly merits respect as the tepid choice in this spot. #10 We B Shackin (5-1) was good third last out and could improve off that effort despite outside draw for trainer Stacey Viands.

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