Charles Town picks and analysis: December 16, 2023

  • userTed Black
  • dateDecember 16, 2023

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

CARRYOVERS

  • Jackpot Pick 6, $2,095 (mandatory payout today)

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1

1-2-5-3

In the Saturday night opener of the last card for the season at Charles Town in 2023, a two-turn event for West Virginia-bred $15,000 claimers, #1 Modern Day Romance (4-1) gets the favorable inside draw and also gets the nod for mild upset here for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. #2 Aldrinaline (5-2) tries older in the final start of his sophomore campaign for trainer Ronney Brown and looms the solid post time choice. #5 Chase Lil Me (7-2) arrives in good form for trainer Tim Collins and merits respect in this spot. #3 Orangeburg (9-2) certainly cannot be dismissed here and could complete several gimmicks for trainer Elizabeth Meehan.

RACE 2

8-6-5-1

In this interesting one-turn allowance dash for state-bred boys to cap the early daily double, #8 George (4-1) gets favorable outside draw and looks poised for mild upset here for trainer David Walters. #6 Ciderhouse Way (5-2) has been sharp recently and looms the solid choice in this competitive affair for trainer Vernon Greaves. #5 Nocashrefunds (3-1) has been consistent sort throughout his career for trainer M. Joanna Boggs and cannot be dismissed in this spot. #1 Karma Bus (7-2) definitely merits respect in this group despite tricky rail draw for trainer Ronney Brown.

RACE 3

6-4-2-7

In this interesting and competitive one-turn allowance dash for fillies and mares, #6 Lunatic (5-2) prevailed nicely in second local outing after arriving from California and seeks second straight tally for trainer Jeff Runco. #4 Little Bit of That (7-2) won starter allowance event last out here for trainer Ronney Brown and looks to ascend and repeat in this spot. #2 Tiz the Reason (3-1) won two back and looks to atone for third-place finish last out while giving Brown outside chance to run one-two here. #7 Ghostly Squall (15-1) was solid second against claimers after exiting stakes for trainer Cynthia McKee and could complete several gimmicks at a very generous price.

RACE 4

1-3-9-2

In this rare, three-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #1 Curlin’s Thrill (7-2) won two back against similar and gets favorable rail draw with chance to end the campaign on a winning note for trainer Keith Brown. #3 Indian Buzz (4-1) won last out at Penn National and seeks second straight in this spot for trainer Brandon Kulp. #9 Hot N Spicy Love (4-1) won last out over the strip for trainer Jack Hurley and seeks second straight while looking to overcome outside draw. #2 Party Monster (15-1) was modest fifth last Saturday night in local debut for owner-trainer Collie Smith and could improve off that effort in a quick turnaround.

RACE 5

6-1-7-8

In this competitive two-turn allowance for older runners, #6 Alpha Chi Rho (6-5) won last out in second start back since return from Finger Lakes and looks poised for repeat as odds-on proposition for trainer Anthony Farrior. #1 Tap Secret (6-1) won two back and scratched out of a Thursday event while getting favorable inside draw here. #7 O’Conner Sunset (4-1) returns after two good efforts at Parx and certainly merits respect in this spot. #8 Tate (6-1) makes local debut after several good outings at Laurel Park and gives Farrior chance to run one-two here.

RACE 6

1-7-9-2

In this interesting two-turn event for $15,000 claimers, #1 Spunman (7-2) returns from allowance outing at Mountaineer Park and gets favorable rail draw for trainer Jeff Runco. #7 Ministry of Magic (4-1) prevailed last out against similar and seeks second straight for trainer Anthony Rideout II. #9 Remys Showtime (3-1) was solid second against allowance/optional claimers and merits respect here for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. #2 Great Days Ahead (5-1) exits allowance company and looks for first seasonal score for owner-trainer Derrick Parram.

RACE 7

6-7-10-12

In this very interesting one-turn maiden special weight dash for state-bred two-year-olds, #6 Time to Rock (3-1) makes career debut off a trio of ‘bullet’ works for trainer Stacey Viands of Parisian Diva fame and looks poised to fire at first asking. #7 Whale of a Run (7-2) was solid second in career debut for trainer Javier Contreras and merits genuine respect here. #10 Ride the Brand (8-1) was good fourth in debut outing and gets favorable outside draw here for trainer Tim Grams. #12 Time to Snooze (12-1) could take career debut here if he draws in off the also eligible lost for trainer Kristy Petty.

RACE 8

5-8-1-2

In this intriguing allowance event for fillies and mares, #5 Dulcimer Dame (5-2) looks to put finishing touches on superb season for trainer Anthony Farrior with another tally as the likely lukewarm choice. #8 Moonlit Shadow (7-2) has occasionally shown glimpses of full-sister Moonlit Song and seeks mild upset for trainer Tim Grams here. #1 Full Moon Lover (3-1) had usually fared better in one-turn events but gets favorable draw in this spot for trainer Ronney Brown. #2 Divine Fashion (4-1) has been consistent sort all season and gives Farrior decent chance to run one-turn in here.

RACE 9

4-1-2-9

In the Saturday night finale and the ultimate “get out” race for the entire year at Charles Town, #4 Velvet Ghost (3-1) gets the nod for mild upset in the nightcap for trainer Jose Corrales. #1 Never Compromise (9-5) has been an absolute win machine all year and gets the coveted rail as the likely post time choice. #2 Royal Thunder (12-1) has shown glimpses of promise in local outings and could complete several gimmicks at a very generous price. #9 Super Quality (5-1) has every right to make his presence known for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. in the 2023 finale.

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