Charles Town picks and analysis: May 3, 2024

Picks and analysis for this evening’s card from Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races:

  • DATE: May 3, 2024
  • RACES ON CARD: 8
  • CARRYOVERS: Pick 5: $40,049; Jackpot Pick 6, $1,694

RACE 1

5. HessicaTwo-time Cavada winner hit the ground running in season bow
4. The Sky Is FallingLate-running sort could benefit from some pace pressure, but that may not materialize
6. Juba’s ParadeDrop back into allowance company a plus; could give trainer Petty a one-two punch in this spot

RACE 2

2. Twilight YearsResponded with a win when finally dropped into claiming company after long losing streak; well spotted to make it two straight
4. StrollinginthewindWill be a strong favorite, and figs say he should win, but he’s been beaten at odds-on twice in claiming company and this feels like a precipitous drop for a runner running more or less consistently; we’ll take a bit of a swing against
8. NeverfoldHas his moments

RACE 3

5. Masai ManShifts into Farrior barn (23% first off the claim) after near-miss versus similar; drawn outside other main speed rival
1. Royal ThunderNot much choice but to go; beaten fave at this level three straight seems mostly disinclined to win, with only five wins versus 24 seconds and thirds in 61 starts
7. Happy ChampShortens up for productive Brown barn and might catch a pace to run iinto

RACE 4

5. Jolenes EclipticalCouldn’t go with 1-2 winner in debut but useful outing sets her up for improvement tonight
1. Little Baby Girl5yo could give trainer Hillegass first win of the year; gets solid vet Rodriguez (1 win above expecations per 50 starts) in the irons
3. Cast Your NetGotta imagine she’ll be on the engine after recent tries at 4 1/2 furlongs; career-best outing was at 6f

RACE 5

3. Crafty Windsor CatHas been keeping better company and figures speed of the speed
5. Mad SwannWon in only prior foray into claiming company and likely well spotted if top choice falters
8. Juba’s PunchHad it all her own way in two wins and not likely to get that here; last out versus similar was credible

RACE 6

2. Gold FiberLikes to win and in a field where major contenders are speedy sorts, has shown the ability to stalk and pounce; should appreciate class relief
1. Colt RockMight be main speed and gets inner post but has lost seven straight, mostly against similar
7. Pink DinghyHas kept better company but wonder how he’ll respond if beaten to the front

RACE 7

3. Machen’s RidgeTerrific effort last out in stake at 132-1 validated good try two back versus similar
2. MissionsninetynineSpeedy sort should clear the field early and will try to take ’em all the way
1. Windsor’s TrackerHas been one-two versus similar in four straight

RACE 8

6. Big Boy OviBig effort on debut when chasing sharp winner and well clear of rest; should graduate here
9. Tup’s to TakeHas caught pretty tough winners in first two; might do so again tonight
7. Majesty’s CowboyFirst timer showing a sharp work over the strip after getting legged up at Elloree (South Carolina)

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