CHARLES TOWN PICKS AND ANALYSIS: JUNE 5

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!

Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6, $26,443

RACE 1

2-3-1-5

In the Saturday night opener, #2 Miss Grandstander (4-1) captured an allowance last out and drops back in for a tag for trainer Tim Grams and looks poised to repeat at a modest price. #3 Irish Knockout (8-5) finished sharp second last out for trainer Joe Stehr after graduating against maiden special weight foes and could triumph here as the tepid choice. #1 Thislillimeofmine (9-5) has been second twice and third once in four starts this year for trainer Javier Contreras but has every right to end modest slide here. #5 La Rufina (9-2) has displayed a fondness for the distance in the past for trainer Ollie Figgins III of Dance to Bristol fame.

RACE 2

7-6-3-2

In this one-turn dash for $15,000 claiming horses, #7 Officer Unbridled (4-1) was solid second last out for Contreras and looms a major player here with favorable outside draw. #6 Prince Louis (3-1) graduated last out against maiden claimers and seeks second straight score here for Figgins. #3 Rock Break (7-2) graduated two back against maiden special weight foes and gives Grams chance to sweep the early double. #2 Let’s Get Physical (5-2) returns from four-month respite for trainer David Walters and merits respect if fit.

RACE 3

2-3-5-6

In this competitive, two-turn allowance for state-bred fillies and mares, #2 Mackenzie’s Music (9-5) graduated smartly at first asking in a one-turn maiden special weight event and seeks second straight while attempting two turns for the first time for Runco. #3 Eternal Heart (2-1) graduated at first asking last summer but makes fifth attempt to topple winners here. #5 Arrowwood (7-2) graduated against maiden special weight company two back then was solid second in allowance company last out and gives Runco good chance to run one-two here. #6 Najwa (10-1) returns to allowance company after trying claimers last out for trainer Raimondo Schiano Di-Cola of Gabriel’s Smile fame.

RACE 4

4-6-5-1

In this rare, three-turn allowance, optional $15,000 claiming event for older runners, #4 Auts Revolution (4-1) seeks second straight for trainer Ronney Brown and third straight score overall. #6 Goodluckchuck (5-2) won his only previous try over the strip in January and returns from Maryland looking to regain his winning ways for trainer W. Robert Bailes. #5 Royal Thunder (9-2) makes local debut for trainer Carlos Mancilla and Maryland-bred runner merits respect here. #1 Rossie Val (2-1) scored off near two-year layoff last out for trainer Crystal Pickett and seeks third straight overall with favorable rail draw.

RACE 5

2-7-1-5

In this two-turn allowance for state-bred fillies and mares, #2 Jamestown Road (7-2) seeks second straight tally for owner-breeder-trainer James W. Casey and third win from seven seasonal tries overall. #7 Suzysellsseashells (5-2) was solid second last out but is still in search of first win in four seasonal outings for trainer Derick Goetz. #1 The Better One (6-1) was good third in seasonal debut last week and looms a factor here in quick turnaround for owner-breeder-trainer and former jockey Kristy Petty. #5 That Kenney Kid (5-1) is still looking to regain her winning ways since stakes tally last fall for Runco.

RACE 6

6-1-8-5

In this one-turn allowance dash, #6 Golden Key (5-2) captured the Coin Collector Stakes in his most recent outing for owner-trainer Ronney Brown, and sophomore seeks to topple older rivals in this spot. #1 Laughing Cat (6-1) has been fifth in each of his last three starts at this level for owner-breeder-trainer John McKee and merits respect if he can work out a trip from rail. #8 Hartel (8-5) makes local debut for Runco after spending his career to date in California and seeks first score since graduating against maiden special weight company at Del Mar in 2018. #5 Night Train Wayne (10-1) was good fourth in seasonal debut and certainly can improve off that effort.

RACE 7IT’S ONLY MONEY STAKES

3-5-6-9

In the featured $75,000 It’s Only Money Stakes for state-bred older runners, #3 Sagebrush (9-2) seeks third straight victory to start the season and gives trainer Tim Grams yet another chance to present the winning trophy to himself after conditioning the race’s namesake. #5 Aaron’s Tap (5-1) has been second twice in three tries this year for Runco and seeks 15th win from 35 career tries. #6 Penguin Power (3-1) has faced serious customers this year but makes rare appearance in one-turn local dash for Runco. #9 Hypothesis (4-1) won local prep for Pickett only to be disqualified for a post-race positive but gets favorable outside draw here.

RACE 8

2-1-7-6

In the Saturday night finale, a two-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #2 Charitable Miss (8-1) has been consistent all season and seeks second victory from 55 tries here for trainer Natasha Aylor. #1 Not for Gold (5-2) was sharp second last out and gets favorable inside draw for trainer Keith Brown and looms likely choice here. #7 Whose That Lady (7-2) exits tougher last two and merits respect in this spot for trainer Jay Armstrong. #6 Dixie Sunrise (3-1) returns from a lengthy layoff for trainer and former jockey William “Ray” Lewis, Jr. and merits upset chance if fit enough.

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