Charles Town picks and analysis: November 18, 2023

  • userTed Black
  • dateNovember 18, 2023

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

CARRYOVERS

  • Jackpot Pick 6, $59,723

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1

2-7-3-1

In the Saturday night opener, an interesting two-turn allowance for older runners, #2 Kasimba (4-1) graduated in his local debut against maiden special weight foes last out and gets the nod for mild upset while facing winners for the first time for trainer Anthony Farrior. #7 Captain Creed (6-5) graduated two starts back against maiden special weight foes and was solid third trying winners last out for trainer Jeff Runco and looms a potential odds-on prospect here. #3 Yo Vinnie (9-2) also graduated two starts back against maiden special weight foes here and gets chance to atone for sixth-place effort last out and gives RUnco chance ti run one-two here. #1 My Handsome Man (5-1) arrives from Delaware Park off a series of good efforts and could forge a mild surprise in this spot.

RACE 2

5-2-7-1

In this two-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #5 Timeisgolden (5-2) returns from allowance outing at Mountaineer Park and finds a suitable, winnable spot for trainer Stacey Viands of Parisian Diva fame. #2 Some Is Nine (9-5) faced tougher foes recently at Laurel Park but arrives off DNF performance which raises cause for concern for likely favorite. #7 Unicorn Sally (4-1) makes local debut after traveling to various tracks along the east coast and merits respect in this spot. #1 America’s Pride (15-1) could complete several gimmicks at a very generous price.

RACE 3

1-5-3-2

In this two-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #1 And Whistle (3-1) arrives off solid score at Delaware Park last out and seeks second straight while making local debut for trainer Phil Capuano. #5 Ride the Rapids (5-2) won two back and was solid third last out for trainer Ronney Brown. #3 Imagine Victory (4-1) returns off a series of modest efforts at Laurel Park for trainer Crystal Pickett. #2 Lil Spinner (8-1) makes local debut after facing tougher in Maryland and cannot be dismissed here.

RACE 4

1-4-7-5

In this interesting, two-turn allowance for state-bred boys, #1 Grumpy’s Buddy (2-1) has been second in last two allowance tries and gets the nod with favorable inside draw for trainer Jeff Runco. #4 I’lltakecareofit (5-2) has also been second in each of last two for trainer Kristy Petty and looms a major player here. #5 Reverend Jack (8-1) saw two-race win streak snapped last out but deserves chance to atone for that performance. #5 Nocashrefunds (9-2) has finished third three times in last four outings and could continue that trend here.

RACE 5

3-2-1-4

In this rare, three-turn allowance for older runners, #3 O’Rigsby (4-1) has been series of third- and fourth-place efforts but could finally prevail here for trainer Elizabeth Meehan. #2 Rey O Reyes (9-5) has been second twice in last three starts for trainer Ronney Brown and looks to shed bridesmaid role here as likely favorite. #1 Leg Up (10-1) gets favorable inside draw and could complete several gimmicks at a generous price. #4 Lieutenant Brown (20-1) prevailed against claimers last out and makes giant leap for trainer Mike Jones, Jr.

RACE 6

6-10-11-12

In this interesting, two-turn allowance for older runners, #6 Alpha Whiskey (7-2) won two back at Delaware Park and gets the nod for mild upset for trainer Kevin Joy. #10 Zen Master (5-2) won three back at Timonium and has been third and fourth last two for trainer Anthony Farrior. #11 Paymengold (2-1) exits sophomore stakes on WVBC night and seeks to topple older horses for trainer Dewayn Johnson if he gets in off the AE list. #12 Bomboloni (4-1) also looms a major player in this spot if he draws in off the also eligible list.

RACE 7 – $75,000 Randy Funkhouser Memorial

9-6-2-1

In the featured race on the card, the second edition of the $75,000 Randy Funkhouser Memorial, offered previously as the A Huevo Stakes, #9 Coastal Mission (3-5) looks to put finishing touches on a stellar season for trainer Jeff Runco after prior scores in the West Virginia Breeders Classic and Russell Road Stakes. #6 Muad’dib (5-1) arrives as the two-time defending champion of this event and reigning two-time West Virginia-bred horse of the year although he is on the verge of yielding that honor to his stablemate. #2 No Change (8-1) has a solid campaign of his own and arrives off consecutive stakes scores for trainer Cynthia McKee. #1 Jungle Beast (12-1) could work out a favorable trip with inside draw and complete several gimmicks for owner-breeder O’Sullivan Farms.

RACE 8

1-3-5-7

in the Saturday night finale, a two-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #1 Push (6-1) was solid second in local debut last out and gets favorable rail draw here with genuine upset chance. #3 Makinlimmargaritas (9-5) seeks third straight tally as possible odds-on proposition for trainer Anthony Farrior and could cap chalky late daily double. #5 Katalima (3-1) has been second in each of last two outings and six times in 11 winless tries this year but merits respect in this spot. #7 Miss Lauren (4-1) was good third last out and seeks first score in 10th seasonal outing.

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