Charles Town picks and analysis: May 21
Charles Town has an eight-race Saturday card. Post time is 7:00 p.m. Good luck!
Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6 $14,253
Check out our other handicapping here!
RACE 1
6-4-7-2
In the opening race on the Saturday night card, a two-turn maiden special weight event expected to go postward moments after the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico in made official, #6 Overly Critical (3-1) makes his local debut for trainer Stacey Viands following a series of decent efforts against maiden special weight foes in Kentucky and looks poised to graduate here. #4 Street Lamp (2-1) has finished second four times in six tries against maiden claimers elsewhere and makes his local debut for trainer Richard Sillaman. #7 Gorun (5-2) was fourth in his local debut last out for trainer Anthony Farrior and can improve off that effort. #2 Steal The Cash (5-1) as been fourth, sixth and eighth in three tries at this level and could improve on those efforts here.
RACE 2
6-5-4-3
In this two-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares to cap the early daily double, #6 Courageous Grace (9-5) looks set for very mild upset in this contentious affair for trainer Rhea Pennella. #5 Lady Kaza (8-5) looms the tepid favorite for trainer Kevin Joy and cannot be overlooked. #4 Urkillingmebeth (2-1) has been consistent sort for trainer David Walters and similar quality effort expected here. #3 Imagoodchatterbug (15-1) gives Pennella outside chance to run one-two in this event.
- Executive Order looks to bounce back in Maryland JuvenileExecutive Order, a debut winner at Saratoga, leads a nine-horse field into Saturday’s Maryland Juvenile Stakes at Laurel Park.
RACE 3
6-7-5-4
In this interesting one-turn allowance dash for state-bred males, #6 Mystic O’Shaughnesie (5-2) has run well each start for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. and looks to continue winning ways here. #7 Ryan’s Sword (2-1) has ample early speed and looms the favorite with outside draw for trainer Jeff Runco. #5 Spirit of Windsor (12-1) was unlucky in stakes debut last out and gets chance for redemption at a generous price here for owner-breeder-trainer Tim Collins. #4 Settlement Date (8-1) graduated in one-turn event and could forge mild surprise here.
RACE 4
6-5-3-1
In yet another interesting and competitive, one-turn allowance dash for fillies and mares, #6 My Pretty Eyes (9-2) is in very good form and gets favorable outside draw for owner-breeder-trainer John McKee. #5 Minnetonka (5-1) also draws well for trainer John “Jerry” Robb of Little Bold John and Anna’s Bandit fame and looms a serious contender here. #3 Theladyistrue (5-2) has ample early speed and gives McKee genuine chance to run one-two in this event. #1 Ding Ding (6-5) could be odds-on by post time but trick rail draw could compromise her chances.
RACE 5
2-6-1-3
In this two-turn event for $6,250 claimers, #2 Jungle Warrior (8-5) gets favorable inside draw against main foes here and looks set for mild upset for trainer Ronney Brown. #6 Jack The Ripper (6-5) arrives in good form and looms the potential odds-on favorite here for trainer Anthony Farrior. #1 Elevated Forever (5-1) also draws well and should be able to work out a favorable trip with upset chances possible. #3 Mine to Hold (15-1) could complete several gimmicks at a very generous price here.
RACE 6
1-6-3-5
In this interesting, two-turn allowance for state-bred males, #1 Run To Daylight (7-2) looks to regain his winning ways against older rivals for trainer Jeff Runco and gets favorable inside draw here. #6 Shameless Risk (8-5) has been model of consistency for trainer Ronney Brown and looms a genuine threat to the top one despite outside post. #3 Humpty Grumpty (5-1) has shown glimpses of brilliance throughout his career and merits respect here for trainer Javier Contreras. #5 Noballstwostrikes (5-1) gives Runco outside chance to run one-two in this competitive affair.
- CT: Septarian off to speedy startTwo-year-old Septarian has hit the ground running, winning first out at Charles Town and then doubling up with a win at Laurel for Javier Contreras.
RACE 7
5-3-6-8
In the feature race on the card, the $75,000 It’s Binn Too Long Stakes for West Virginia-bred three-year-old fillies, #5 Fancy Her Up (5-2) looks to regain her winning ways for owner-breeder-trainer John A. Casey for fleet-footed filly will be one to run down in this one-turn dash. #3 Lucylou Who (9-2) has won three straight for trainer Irving Velez and owner-breeder Robert Cole, Jr. and arrives razor sharp for stakes debut. #6 Seneca Rocks (3-1) has won both of her starts for trainer Javier Contreras and owner-breeder O’Sullivan Farms and merits respect in this spot. #8 Silky Serena (5-1) gets favorable outside draw for trainer John McKee and owner-breeder-wife Cynthia McKee.
RACE 8
1-2-4-7
In the Saturday finale, #1 Channel Scent (5-1) gets favorable inside draw for two-turn event and looks set for mild upset for trainer John McKee. #2 Party Monster (5-2) also gets favorable spot and looms the tepid favorite here for trainer Joan Reynolds. #4 My Bridget Verdot (8-1) was second last out for trainer Stacey Viands and merits respect here at a generous price. #7 El Milagra (6-1) was second three back here for trainer A. Ferris Allen III and could forge mild surprise in the finale.
LATEST NEWS
- Executive Order looks to bounce back in Maryland Juvenile
- Ms Notion looks for second win in Maryland Juvenile Filly
- “Gun-shy” horsemen sound off on Laurel Park track surface
- Post Time heads strong Midlantic Cigar Mile day group
- Colonial Downs awarded 44 live days for 2025
- MJC: Ken Brown retiring as track superintendent