CHARLES TOWN PICKS AND ANALYSIS: DECEMBER 18

Art Collector
Art Collector and Luis Saez won the 2021 G2 Charles Town Classic. Photo by Allison Janezic.

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

Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6, $166,458 (mandatory payout today)

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1

2-3-5-6

In the opening race on the final card of the 2021 racing season at Charles Town, a two-turn maiden special weight event for two-year-old fillies, #2 Timeisgolden (2-1) has been second in each of her last three starts for trainer Stacey Viands and owner-breeder Troy Rankin, including gritty effort behind odds-on winner last out and finally looks poised to shed bridesmaid role and graduate in this spot. #3 Ten Twenty One (5-1) exits four tries against maiden special weight company in Maryland and looms a serious contender in local debut. #5 Enjoy Summer (7-2) was good third in local debut last out for trainer Jeff Runco after two outings at Belmont Park and Saratoga and certainly merits respect here. #6 Jacrodra’s Devil (9-5) has been second twice in five tries at four different ovals against maiden claimers and makes local debut here.

RACE 2

5-8-1-2

In this this two-turn event for $10,000 claimers, #5 Let’s Get Physical (7-2) prevailed against claimers two starts back and returns after a try against allowance foes. #8 Bull Meechum (9-5) won last out off an eight-month layoff and likely assumes favorite’s role in repeat bid here. #1 Crossthebay (4-1) gets favorable inside draw after four tries at Mountaineer Park and merits respect off two-month break. #2 In the Gospel (5-1) has been fourth in each of last two outings and could be destined for similar in this spot.

RACE 3

10-6-2-7

In this one-turn dash for state-bred two-year-olds, #10 Roll Dem Bones (7-2) gets favorable outside draw and could finally garner his diploma in eighth attempt for trainer Ollie Figgins III of Dance to Bristol fame. #6 Thunder Kitten (8-5) has been knocking on the door all four outings for trainer Javier Conteras of Late Nite Pow Wow fame and looms the solid favorite in his this spot. #2 My Phoenix (3-1) has already tried stakes foes twice and could graduate here for trainer John McKee. #7 Remys Gunsmoke (12-1) was decent fifth in career debut and figures to improve off that effort for trainer Tim Grams.

RACE 4

4-1-8-10

In this two-turn event for state-bred $10,000 claimers, #4 Prince Jacob (9-2) has been second in each of last two starts since returning from Mountaineer Park and could finally attain first win of the season here. #1 Eisele (5-1) gets favorable inside draw and exits allowance company for this spot. #8 Modern Day Romance (7-2) exits several allowance events since graduating against maiden claimers and could forge mild upset here for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. #10 Mio’s Graceland (4-1) has been third in each of last two outings and could improve here for trainer Victor Espinosa of Noble’s Honey fame.

RACE 5

2-11-9-7

In this two-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #2 Suzysellsseashells (8-5) has been fourth in each of last two but gets the nod to end four-month drought here for trainer Ronney Brown. #11 Risksrhighpayislow (4-1) returns from brief freshening and merits respect here if she gets in off the AE list. #9 Suzzette Star (5-1) has been improving each of last three outings and could forge mild upset in this spot. #7 Dial Emma Reilly (6-1) graduated here against maiden claimers and returns following several starts at Laurel.

RACE 6

8-9-10-6

In this two-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #8 Twobitsaride (5-1) won two back and was solid third last out and gets the nod for mild upset here. #9 Nazca Mystery (9-2) won last out for trainer Kristy Gazzier and could repeat in this spot. #10 Mean to Amend (4-1) makes long overdue seasonal return and looms a threat despite the lengthy layoff. #6 Castle Bound (8-1) scored WV Breeders’ Classic Shocker two years ago and seeks latest tally against bottom level claimers.

  • CT: Septarian off to speedy start
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RACE 7

1-2-5-7

In this two-turn allowance for state-bred fillies and mares, #1 My Best Friend (9-5) gets favorable inside draw and arrives off nice win at Delaware Park two months ago. #2 Practically Dizzy (8-1) was solid second last out against similar and certainly merits respect here. #5 Boundtobebad (3-1) was sharp allowance winner last out and was solid second in stakes two starts back and looms a threat here. #7 Miss Wave (15-1) has shown glimpses of promise for trainer Ronney Brown and could cap several gimmicks at a big price.

RACE 8

10-7-12-11

In the Saturday night feature, a two-turn allowance for older runners, #10 Bubba Grump (3-1) has worked well since finishing ninth in the Onion Juice and gets the nod despite outside draw. #7 Tapping the Glass (9-5) has performed well in allowance races elsewhere and makes local debut for trainer Gary Capuano of Captain Bodgit fame. #12 Cielo Azul (5-2) was sharp second in local debut for trainer Joan Reynolds and looms a factor if he gets in off the AE list. #11 Buff’s Eye View (10-1) was runner-up in the 2020 WV Breeders’ Classic and seeking to regain that form here.

RACE 9

6-2-11-1

In the Saturday night finale, the ultimate “get out” race for players on the calendar, #6 Life in Flash (7-2) was solid second two back here and gets the nod to attain first win in 11 starts this year. #2 Dance Lightly (8-5) makes local debut following trio of decent efforts at Penn National and likely inherits favorite’s role in finale. #11 Mortal Storm (7-5) would make local debut if he gets in off the AE list for trainer Gary Capuano of Cherokee’s Boy fame. #1 Catherine’s Warrior (20-1) was good second two starts back and could round out several gimmicks at a big price in the finale.

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