Charles Town jockeys and trainers to watch

Two-and-a-half months into the 2024 season, approximately half of Charles Town’s regular jockeys and trainers are winning more frequently than their odds would predict.

The Racing Biz analyzed the performance of each rider and trainer versus the takeout-adjusted odds on their runners. Each jockey’s and trainer’s wins were compared to their expected wins. We include only jockeys that have made at least 20 starts at Charles Town this year and trainers that have made at least 15.

LIMITED ACTION, BIG IMPACT Angel Cruz does most of his work at Laurel Park, but when he comes to Charles Town, he’s having a significant impact. The rider has won with eight of 26 starters to date, nearly four wins more than his odds would have predicted, equating to 7.42 added wins per 50 starts.

NO, SERIOUSLY The top four riders by wins above expectations all fall in the “limited action, big impact” category, as all have made 44 or fewer starts to date at CT.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE To see the full list of riders who have made 20 or more starts at CT and their wins above expectations, visit our Handicapping page.

CENTURY CLUB On the other end of the spectrum, seven jocks have made at least 100 starts, with Abnel Bocachica and Marshall Mendez both at 155. Of those with at least 100 starts, Christian Hiraldo (1.77 wins above expectations per 50 starts) and Abnel Bocachica (1.67) lead the way.

TAKING A PERCENTAGE Arnaldo Bocachica (22.5%) and Angel Cruz (22.2%) lead the colony by percentage of available purse money earned. That’s not surprising, since both are winning at an impressive clip, 30.8% for Cruz and 27% for Boca.

CHARLES TOWN JOCKEYS: TOP 10 WINS ABOVE EXPECTATIONS

JockeyStartsWinsWins above expectations/50 starts
Cruz Angel2687.42
Bocachica O4474.27
Cullum W2642.66
Batista Luis A2252.16
Hiraldo Christian109211.77
Bocachica Abnel J155251.67
Chilo Maximo85131.53
Reynolds L C44101.29
Rivera Javier5060.88
Latchman Reshawn95140.64

GOOD THINGS IN SIXES Sixteen trainers (of 33 to have made at least 15 starts) are winning more frequently than their odds predict, including six who are above 2.0 wins above expectations per 25 starts. That group is headed by Donald Barber, whose seven wins in 18 starts equate to 6.77 wins above expectations per 25 starts.

HEARD ON THE GRAPEVIANDS Terrible pun, but trainer Stacey Viands is off to a strong start and has the highest wins above expectations figure for any trainer with at least 25 starters at the meet. He’s 9-for-34, good for 2.80 wins above expectations per 25 starts.

PERCENTAGE LEADERS Barber leads all trainers in percentage of purse money earned with 28.9%. Others in the top five include Anthony Lucas (22.7%), Ray Ginter (22.3%), Anthony Farrior (21.3%), and Jeff Runco (21.3%).

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE To see the full list of trainers who have made 15 or more starts at CT and their wins above expectations, visit our Handicapping page.

CHARLES TOWN TRAINERS: TOP 10 WINS ABOVE EXPECTATIONS

TrainerStartsWinsWins above expectations/25 starts
Barber Donald C1876.77
Walters David L1853.21
Atkins Michael G1732.94
Boggs Joanna2062.87
Viands Stacey R3492.80
Lucas Anthony2262.74
Dollinger-Sthr Linda2141.58
Grams Timothy C68171.53
Ginter Raymond Jr1851.51
Craig Lewis E Jr1521.37

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