CHARLES TOWN PICKS AND ANALYSIS: MAY 22

Aaron's Tap
Aaron’s Tap won the 2019 It’s Only Money Stakes. Photo by Coady Photography.

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

RACE 1

5-1-4-3

In this three-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #5 Molly Bolts (6-1) graduated last out and looks poised to repeat in this spot for trainer Ed Schottroffe. #1 Zap Mama (9-2) also garnered her diploma last out and gets favorable inside draw for repeat bid for trainer Sherry Jackson. #4 Used to Be Fun (6-5) graduated two back then was fourth last out and sophomore filly tries older rivals again here for trainer Jeff Runco. #3 Raison d’Etat Girl (3-1) finished fifth in each of last two but has license to improve here for trainer James Dean Locklear.

RACE 2

4-2-6-3

In this one-turn allowance dash for state-bred fillies and mares, #4 Gandhi’s Castle (3-5) has won her last two against claimers smartly and looks poised for third straight tally here for trainer Kevin Patterson. #2 Dancing Destiny (3-1) has won her last three against claimers and gives Patterson golden chance to run one-two here. #6 Mary’s Listed Next (10-1) exits a tough starter allowance and looms a longshot threat for trainer Keturah Obed-Letts. #3 Lunar Prayer (15-1) won last out off an eight-month respite for trainer David Walters and merits respect here at a big price.

RACE 3

6-2-7-5

In this one-turn dash for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #6 Smookie (5-1) won two back and was solid third last out and could regain winning ways here at a modest price for owner-trainer Jean Rofe. #2 Single Mom (7-5) has been second each of last two outings and could shed bridesmaid role here as the choice for trainer Tim Grams of Runnin’toluvya and Moonlit Song fame. #7 Super Wildcat (8-1) gets favorable outside draw and could be a factor here at a price. #5 Jimmysextragirl (6-1) graduated two back in local debut for Viands and could atone for latest.

RACE 4

5-1-8-7

In this two-turn event for $15,000 claimers, #5 Any Way Now (3-1) exits allowance company and was solid second two back and could forge mild upset here for Runco. #1 Lufty’s Kisses (5-2) exits a quartet of allowance events for trainer James W. Casey and looms the tepid choice from inside draw. #8 Rip Thorn (8-1) also exits allowance company and merits respect in this spot at a price for trainer Tim Collins. #7 Auburn Mill (6-1) scored two back and looms a threat here for trainer Ronney Brown.

RACE 5

2-1-8-7

In this two-turn maiden special weight event for state-bred three-year-old fillies, #2 Elianagrace (3-1) was promising third in her career debut three weeks ago and looks poised to graduate here for trainer Kevin Joy #1 Ellies Lil Castle (6-5) has been third in each of her four outings thus far but could improve in this spot from the rail for owner-breeder-trainer James W. Casey. #8 Moonlit Shadow (4-1) was fifth in seasonal debut off the layoff and should improve off that effort here for Grams. #7 Driven To Succeed (10-1) was sixth in seasonal debut for trainer and former local jockey William “Ray” Lewis, Jr. and merits respect at a big price here.

RACE 6

2-7-5-1

In this two-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #2 Wolfinbarger (7-5) was solid second in local debut and looms the one to beat as the favorite here for trainer Anthony Farrior. #7 Wasjuannowpaul (7-2) has been in the money five of six starts and merits respect at a decent price here for Joy. #4 Sunman (2-1) was sharp second last out and looms a danger in this spot for trainer Crystal Pickett. #1 Rocket Road (12-1) won two back and always merits respect in these two-turn events for claimers.

RACE 7

5-2-4-7

In this two-turn allowance for fillies and mares, #5 Stowe Angel (3-1) looks to regain winning ways after enjoying stellar season as a sophomore which included a win against boys in the Robert Leavitt Memorial last summer for trainer Jeff Runco. #2 Moma Tiger (9-2) was a sharp second against allowance foes here last out for trainer Flint Stites and could forge a mild upset in this spot. #4 Littlebitalily (6-1) was also a solid second here last out against allowance foes and looms a danger in this spot for trainer Brendon Kulp. #7 Pat’s No Fool (6-1) exits allowance and stakes company in Maryland and merits respect in local debut for trainer Gary Capuano.

RACE 8

1-6-10-2

In the Saturday night finale, a two-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #1 Whoa Black Betty (4-1) was second last out and scored two back for trainer Stacey Viands of Parisian Diva fame and looms a danger from the rail here. #6 Secret Castle (8-5) could atone for her latest two outings here for trainer Ronney Brown. #10 Silken Belle (5-2) scored last out for trainer Michelle Knoblauch-Perez and could repeat in this spot. #2 Carolina Bambina (15-1) gets favorable inside draw and should benefit from seasonal debut three weeks ago.

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