CHARLES TOWN PICKS AND ANALYSIS: FEBRUARY 20

Star of Night
Star of Night was up late to defeat Bridging the Gap in the 2020 My Sister Pearl. Photo by Coady Photography.

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

Carryovers: None

RACE 1

4-6-3-5

In the opening race on the Saturday night card, a three-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #4 Upsy Daisy Do (3-1) has been first and second in two starts for trainer Michael Sterling since arriving from Gulfstream Park and gets the nod in this spot. #6 Blazing Bourbon (2-1) won in local debut after arriving from Canada for trainer John Carlisle and certainly could repeat here as the favorite. #3 Imagoodchatterbug (4-1) was good third in last outing for trainer Ronney Brown and could improve on that effort here. #5 Lady Madison (7-2) won last out for trainer David Wilhelm and merits respect in repeat bid in this spot.

RACE 2

6-7-3-5

In this one-turn dash for $4,000 claimers, #6 Dancing Destiny (4-5) won last out and looks poised to repeat at a short price for trainer Kevin Patterson. #7 Risksrhighpayislow (5-1) also won last out for owner-breeder-trainer Michael Atkins and merits respect here in repeat bid. #3 Silken Belle (9-2) has been second in each of last two outings for owner-breeder-trainer John McKee and could score in this spot. #5 Dimitri’s Romance (8-1) has been fourth in each of last three outings and looks destined for similar finish here.

RACE 3

1-2-6-4

In this two-turn event for $15,000 claiming three-year-old fillies, #1 Cowgirl Night (9-5) won two starts back here for trainer Anthony Farrior and returns from Laurel for this spot. #2 Classy Escort (7-2) graduated last out against maiden claimers and gives Farrior chance to run one-two here. #6 Keyed Up (5-2) also defeated maiden claimers here two back for trainer John Carlisle and looms a threat in this spot. #4 One Smart Cookie (6-1) was second last out for trainer James Day and merits respect as modest outsider.

RACE 4

5-2-7-4

In this two-turn event for claiming fillies and mares, #5 City Princess (3-1) has been fourth and third in two seasonal outings and looks set to continue improving trend here for trainer Stacey Viands. #2 She’s Right (5-2) was good second last out for trainer Irving Velez and looms the favorite in this spot. #7 Run On Energy (7-2) won two starts back for owner-trainer Anthony Lucas and could atone for latest. #4 Quick Energy (5-1) won last out and gives Lucas outside chance to run one-two here.

RACE 5

4-7-2-9

In this two-turn event for maiden $12,500 claimers, #4 Red Hot Cookie (4-1) was sixth versus maiden special weight company in career debut for trainer Ronney Brown and could prevail in this spot, #7 Partly Dandy (9-5) was good third at this level last out and could graduate here for Runco. #2 Bella Femmina (6-1) has been third in each of last three and should continue trend here. #9 Creative Splendor (5-1) was fourth in first try at the level last out and gives Runco outside chance to run one-two here.

RACE 6

6-1-2-3

In this one-turn dash for $15,000 claimers, #6 Raging Blaze (4-1) makes local debut following several good tries against tougher at Laurel Park for trainer Shaun Morrow. #1 Paul’s Plunder (7-2) won last out at Laurel for trainer Tim Salzman and graduated against maiden special weight company here in only previous local try and merits respect in this spot. #2 Sweetonthegents (3-1) exits allowance company and won two starts back here for trainer David Walters. #3 P J’s Ego (5-2) won two back and could atone for latest in this spot for trainer Jesus Cruz.

RACE 7

5-6-4-2

In the Saturday feature, a one-turn allowance dash for state-bred fillies and mares, #5 College Kid (5-2) won last out against similar and seeks repeat score from favorable draw for owner-trainer-breeder James W. Casey. #6 Sonde of Music (2-1) was solid second in seasonal debut six weeks ago and seeks sixth win in 10 starts for owner-trainer Lee Couchenour of Gold Watch fame. #4 Susikin (4-1) was good second in local debut for trainer Hugh McMahon and looms a threat to the top pair in his spot. #2 Letts Go to Dixies (15-1) won two starts back on closing night for owner-trainer and former local jockey Keturah Obed-Letts.

RACE 8

6-9-3-7

In the Saturday night finale, #6 Bella Gianna (6-5) should atone for latest for Farrior as the solid favorite in this spot. #9 Old Line Magic (5-2) graduated three starts back and was second against winners two back and could upset here for Cruz. #3 Violane (8-1) was good third in second local start for McKee after arriving from Indiana and looms a danger here at a generous price. #7 Sharp’s Mission (20-1) has been gradually improving for owner-trainer Jerry Campbell and merits respect at a big price here.

LATEST NEWS