Charles Town picks and analysis: September 19

Photo by Allison Janezic.

Charles Town has a nine-race Saturday card, including four stakes. Post time is the normal 7:00 p.m. Good luck!

RACE 1

6-2-4-3

In this one-turn maiden special weight dash for fillies and mares, #6 Miss Wave (5-2 morning line) has been second four times in five career tries for trainer John McKee, but should end her bridesmaid status in this spot. #2 Cheese Louise (9-5) has been third three times in four career outings for owner-trainer Lela Hanagan and should be a factor here. #4 Taptap (6-1) was good third last out and could improve in this spot. #3 Not For Gold (20-1) deserves a longshot look in third career outing.

RACE 2 – RACHEL’S TURN STAKES

2-3-4-5

In the first of four state-bred stakes on the card, #2 Theladyistrue (4-1) graduated last out in third attempt for trainer John McKee who owned and bred the namesake of this Rachel’s Turn Stakes. #3 That Kenney Kid (6-5) romped in her second start and could be odds-on in here for trainer Jeff Runco. #4 Got Your Number (6-1) has been second once and third once in three tries for trainer Crystal Pickett. #5 Moonlit Shadow (5-1), full-sister to Moonlit Song, makes her career debut for trainer Tim Grams off one modest gate work but draws favorable outside spot.

RACE 3

3-7-9-5

In this two-turn maiden special weight event for state-bred two-year-olds, #3 Tappin For Glory (5-1) has been third and fourth in first two outings for trainer Anthony Farrior and could graduate in this spot. #7 Pistol P (7-2) has been third twice for trainer James W. Casey and could improve here. #9 Social Chic (4-1) was second in debut before settling for fourth last out for Runco. #5 Just Gets Better (3-1) was second last out for owner-trainer and former jockey Kristy Petty.

RACE 4 – HENRY MERCER MEMORIAL STAKES

4-1-5-3

In the second stakes on the card, #4 Hopping Henry (5-2), the first winner for WV sire Juba, looms a major player in the Henry Mercer Stakes for trainer Michael Sterling after graduating second out. #1 Pilot in Command (2-1) rebounded from third-place finish as odds-on choice in his debut to graduate in style last out for Runco. #5 Youthinkthatsfunny (5-1) graduated at second asking after dueling with Hopping Henry in his debut. #3 Natural Attraction (5-2) posted 25-1 shocker in his debut when benefiting from Hopping Henry and Youthinkthatsfunny duel; win gave WV sire Golden Years his first winner.

How’d we do last week? Check out our picks and analysis here!

RACE 5

3-4-7-8

#3 Cherubim (9-2) has been second in each of last two for Runco and could emerge victorious in this two-turn event for $5,000 claimers. #4 Savagery (4-1) exits allowance company and returns to a winnable spot for trainer Joan Reynolds. Well-traveled #7 Dedicated (3-1) makes local debut for trainer A. Ferris Allen. #8 Cape Lookout (7-2) was second last out and won three starts back here for trainer Kieron Magee.

RACE 6 – SADIE HAWKINS STAKES

3-6-5-1

In the latest edition of the $50,000 Sadie Hawkins Stakes for fillies and mares, #3 Bridging the Gap (6-5) has won last two and four of seven this year for McKee and looks poised for her first stakes score here. #6 See Ya Manana (2-1) won last out for Runco and looms the main threat to the top choice. #5 Grace Elizabeth (5-1) gives Runco a chance to run one-two here. #1 B’s Wild Cork (8-1) peaked last fall in three-turn stakes for trainer James W. Casey.

Who are leading the Top Midlantic trainer and jockey ranks?

RACE 7

7-8-1-6

#7 Katalima (8-1) exits the Sylvia Bishop Stakes and returns to a winnable spot in this two-turn allowance for state-bred fillies. #8 Secret Castle (2-1) has been knocking on the door at this level and could emerge here for trainer Ronney Brown. #1 Suzysellsseashells (6-5) graduated two starts back against maiden claimers at Laurel Park and makes local debut in this spot. #6 How Is She (12-1) graduated last out against maiden claimers for Casey and tackles winners here.

RACE 8 – FRANK GALL MEMORIAL STAKES

1-4-2-5

In the last of the four stakes on the card, #1 Penguin Power (9-5) looks poised to defend his title in this $50,000 Frank Gall Memorial for Runco. #4 Runnin’toluvya (8-5) was good third in the Grade 2 Charles Town Classic last out and seeks redemption in the Gall; but he’s likely to be sharper in the WVBC going three turns next month. #2 North Atlantic (6-1) edged stablemate Boaster last out and gives Runco chance to run one-two here. #5 Hero’s Man (9-2) is one of two in here for trainer James W. Casey and should make his presence known early in this compact field.

RACE 9

10-9-8-7

In the Saturday finale, a one-turn allowance dash for older runners, #10 Cash For The Soul (12-1) has won last two against claimers for trainer Kevin Joy but draws favorable outside spot for this affair. #9 Command The Cat (4-1) has won last two and three of five overall for McKee and looms a serious player here. #8 Dashiel (7-2) graduated two starts back at Lone Star and makes local debut for trainer Ronney Brown. #7 Unnamed Soldier (9-2) was good third last out at this level and should be a factor here.

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