Charles Town picks and analysis: August 12, 2023
Ted Black- August 12, 2023
Charles Town has a nine-race Saturday card. Post time is 7:00 p.m. Good luck!
CARRYOVERS
- Jackpot Pick 6, $29,042
Check out our other handicapping here!
RACE 1
4-3-1-2
In the Saturday night opener, a two-turn event for $10,000 claiming fillies and mares, #4 Best Virginia (5-2) has been third and fourth against similar since winning three back and gets the nod for mild upset to kick off the card. #3 Windsor’s Play (7-2) won two back and gets the chance to atone for ninth-place effort last out. #1 Arrowwood (4-5) was solid second last out and seeks first win in seven tries this year at a very short price here. #2 Lady Cinco de Mayo (15-1) has been second four times in nine winless outings this year and could complete several gimmicks at a very generous price.
RACE 2
1-2-5-3
In this two-turn event for $5,000 claimers to cap the early daily double, #1 Tringale (6-1) won three back and gets chance to atone for modest efforts last two tries here. #2 Gilligan (8-5) has faced tougher this season and gives trainer Kevin Joy superb chance to run one-two in this spot. #5 My Miracle Man (5-2) exits allowance company and won against similar three back and may gave found winning spot here. #3 Make the Way Clear (30-1) could complete several gimmicks as the longest shot on the board.
- Laurel: Stakes winner Speedyness makes return FridaySpeedyness, winner of Laurel Park’s Miracle Wood Stakes earlier this year, returns from a six-month break Friday at that same track.
RACE 3
8-9-2-1
In this interesting, one-turn maiden special weight dash for state-bred fillies and mares, #8 Scarlet Rebel (9-5) was solid second in career debut for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. and looks destined to graduate here. #9 Oppo Taco (5-1) was solid third in career debut and gets chance to atone for modest effort last out for trainer David Walters. #2 Xtended Streak (3-1) has been third twice in five tries to begin her career and looks poised to continue that pattern here. #1 Very Venus (6-1) merits respect here for trainer Cynthia McKee despite tricky rail draw.
RACE 4
1-4-2-3
In this very competitive, two-turn event for fillies and mares, #1 Chromatic Lass (6-5) won two straight before settling for third as an odds-on proposition last out and gets chance to atone for trainer David Walters. #4 Hessica (8-5) notched her first win of the season last out for trainer Kristy Petty and defending Cavada WV Breeders’ Classic champion looks poised for return to stakes competition next month month. #2 Music Lass (5-1) was modest sixth in Sylvia Bishop Stakes last out but won two back against similar for trainer Cliff Tuomisto. #3 St. Maarten Girl (6-1) returns off more than a year layoff following DNF at Saratoga last summer and could forge mild upset off the bench for trainer Kristy Gazzier.
RACE 5
8-4-7-3
In this interesting, two-turn $4,000 claiming event for fillies and mares, #8 Urkillingmebeth (3-1) seeks third straight tally while returning from 15-month layoff for trainer David Walters. #4 Hidden Identity (8-5) has faced much tougher in recent outings and looms odds-on choice while taking price drop. #7 Stylish Paint (5-1) was good third three back but also returns from brief respite here for trainer Ronney Brown. #3 Boca Birdie (8-1) is still in quest of first seasonal score while making 10th start this year.
RACE 6
4-5-1-2
In this competitive, two-turn allowance for fillies and mares, #4 Moonlit Shadow (3-1) won two back and deserves chance to atone for fourth-place effort last out for trainer Tim Grams. #5 Happy Clouds (9-5) makes local debut after facing tougher at Laurel Park for trainer Anthony Farrior and looms the solid choice in this spot. #1 Complete Surprise (5-1) was solid second two starts back here and cannot be overlooked. #2 Lace Revolution (6-1) won two back and could complete several gimmicks 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
2-1-5-3
In this two-turn allowance for state-bred fillies and mares, #2 Juba’s Parade (3-5) was solid third in the Sylvia Bishop Stakes here last month and looks poised to prevail as shortest-priced favorite on the card tonight for trainer Kristy Petty. #1 Lucky Bop (9-2) has been second twice against winners for trainer Lewis Craig, Jr. and could forge mild upset here. #5 Jumpin Jack Brass (6-1) graduated in fourth career try against maiden special weight foes last out for trainer Jeff Runco and merits respect here. #3 Sparkleinyoureye (8-1) was seventh in Sylvia Bishop last out for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. and cannot be completely dismissed.
RACE 8
1-11-2-3
In the Saturday night finale, a two-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #1 Marketability (8-5) gets favorable inside draw and looks poised to garner first win in five seasonal tries off the modest, five-month break. #11 Flat Discount (7-5) exits much tougher recently and could be odds-on here if she gets in off the also eligible list. #2 Emma And I (9-2) has been third twice in last three tries and looks set to continue that pattern here. #3 Sheriff’s Kid (5-1) has faced tougher this summer and could finally notch first win in 11th seasonal outing.
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