Charles Town picks and analysis: April 22, 2023

  • userTed Black
  • dateApril 22, 2023

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

Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6, $75,666

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1

6-4-1-2

In the Saturday night opener, an interesting and competitive, two-turn allowance for state-bred older runners, #6 C R’s Mandate (3-1) bypassed the stakes race later on the card and looks for a second straight tally without being DQ’d for a race infraction for trainer Raimondo Schiano-DiCola. #4 Icing (8-5) has won his last two and three of four overall this year for trainer Norm “Lynn” Cash and looms the solid favorite in this spot. #1 Juba’s Notion (7-2) also bypassed a chance at the stakes later while seeking third win in four ties this year for trainer Kristy Petty. #2 Hot Fudge Sonde (4-1) has been second in each of last two and seeks first victory in five tries this year for trainer Jamey Johnson.

RACE 2

2-1-3-4

In this rare, three-turn event for maiden $12,500 claiming fillies and mares to cap the early daily double, #2 Adara (2-1) finished second two back and looks to atone for latest effort for trainer Stacey Viands of Parisian Diva fame as the tepid favorite here. #1 Only Get’n Better (6-1) has been second in each of her last two and gets favorable rail draw for trainer Tim Shanley with genuine upset chance. #3 Net Worth (4-1) makes local debut for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. after facing maiden claimers at Parx last out and could graduate in this spot. #4 Cryptic Code (5-2) has been consistent sort for trainer Mark Shanley and figures to get ample support at the windows.

RACE 3

1-5-7-4

In this two-turn event for state-bred $5,000 claimers, #1 Air Medal (6-1) won two back and gets favorable rail dark with chance to atone for latest effort for trainer Anthony Farrior. #5 Jefferson Security (3-1) saw two-race win streak end last out but seeks redemption for seventh-place effort last out for trainer Tim Grams. #7 In Jubalation (5-2) returns from three-month break and should get ample backing in this spot. #4 Machen’s Ridge (5-1) won last out and seeks second straight at a modest price for trainer Kevin Joy.

RACE 4

7-5-3-2

In this interesting, two-turn allowance for state-breds, #7 Honeyquist (9-5) seeks his second straight score to start his sophomore campaign and last year’s champion state-bred two-year-old male likely using this event as a prep for the upcoming Coin Collector Stakes here next month. #5 One Night Mike (2-1) has been second in each of his last two starts for trainer Javier Contreras and bypassed the Confucius Stakes for this spot. #3 Spanglish (5-1) was good third in latest outing and merits respect here for trainer Elizabeth Meehan. #2 Penguin Parade (8-1) has been second and third in last two tries for trainer Jeff Runco and cannot be completely dismissed.

RACE 5

1-8-5-4

In this competitive, two-turn event for older horses, #1 Antipoison (4-1) steps up off two good tries against starter allowance company and gets favorable rail draw and the nod for mild upset here. #8 Auburn Mill (7-5) has been second twice in four winless starts this year but looms the potential odds-on favorite in this spot for trainer Anthony Farrior. #5 Ridiculous (8-1) makes the quantum leap from claiming company off a nice win last out and seeks genuine upset here. #4 Espresso Lungo (20-1) could complete several gimmicks at a very generous price.

RACE 6

10-3-2-1

In this one-turn maiden special weight event for state-bred three-year-olds, #10 Duncan Idaho (6-5) makes his career debut off a series of good works for trainer Jeff Runco and gets favorable outside draw with ideal chance to graduate at first asking. #3 Drunk Text (9-2) also makes career debut for trainer Ronney Brown and certainly merits respect while seeking diploma. #2 Road Punch (20-1) finished sixth in lone outing against similar last month and should benefit from that effort at a very generous price. #1 Windsor’s Star (6-1) was good third against maiden claimers last out for owner-trainer Ralph Comi, Jr. and makes another attempt at this level.

RACE 7 – The $75,000 Confucius Say Stakes

5-4-10-2

In a truly loaded edition of the $75,000 Confucius Say Stakes for state-bred older runners, #5 Free Sailin (4-1) arrives off a pair of allowance victories at Mahoning Valley and last year’s champion state-bred three-year-old male seeks mild upset for owner-trainer Jason DeCosta against deep group. #4 Muad’dib (7-2) makes his seasonal debut for trainer Jeff Runco and two-time reigning West Virginia-bred horse of the year gets acid test off series of good workouts. #10 Coastal Mission (6-1) has been virtually unbeatable in local allowance events for Runco and seeks elusive first stakes score in ultra competitive affair. #2 Late in the Game (20-1) typically does his best running late and could complete several gimmicks here at a big price for trainer Ronald Sigler.

RACE 8

2-1-3-10

In the Saturday night finale, #2 Close the Case (8-5) exits a series of allowance races and gets favorable inside draw for trainer Joan Reynolds. #1 Excalibur (10-1) has finished second three times in five winless starts this year but gets favorable rail draw for trainer Kevin Dove and could complete a generous exacta in the nightcap. #3 Lost in Manhattan (5-1) was solid second last out and merits respect in this spot for trainer Anthony Farrior. #10 Happy Champ (7-2) was also solid second last out and looms a serous contender for trainer Ronney Brown despite outside draw.

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