Charles Town picks and analysis: June 18
Charles Town has an eight-race Saturday card. Post time is 7:00 p.m. Good luck!
Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6 $45,719
Check out our other handicapping here!
RACE 1
10-9-8-7
In this wide open, one-turn maiden $12,500 claiming event for state-bred fillies and mares, #10 Freya’s Blessing (15-1) gets favorable outside draw and gets the nod for genuine upset in the Saturday night opener for trainer Jean Rofe. #9 Warriorinthehouse (9-2) also draws well following good third-place effort last out for owner-trainer Natasha Aylor. #8 Taptap (5-1) has been third in each of last two tries against maiden claimers and could forge mild upset here. #7 Lil Sassy Girl (4-1) exits maiden special weight company after three tries and would not be a shocker in this spot for owner-trainer Tim Collins.
RACE 2
8-7-6-4
In this wide open one-turn $5,000 claiming dash, #8 Mr. Hostler (15-1) gets favorable outside draw and gives owner-trainer Tim Collins outside chance to sweep the early daily double. #7 Vidmer’s Courage (15-1) also drew well and has genuine upset potential for trainer Rhea Pennella. #6 Doctor McCoy (8-5) exits allowance company in belated seasonal debut for trainer James W. Casey and looms the tepid choice despite the layoff. #4 Rey O Reyes (7-2) won last out for trainer Kristy Gazzier and certainly merits respect in this spot.
- Runaldo up late to win Sam Huff WV Breeders ClassicThe improving Runaldo made his first three-turn try one to remember when he prevailed in a thrilling edition of the $300,000 Sam Huff WV Breeders Classic.
RACE 3
8-6-1-2
In this two-turn maiden $12,500 claiming event for older males, #8 Touch of a Buzz (6-5) makes local debut after facing tougher in New York and New Jersey and gets the nod to graduate here at a short price for trainer Javier Contreras. #6 More Please (7-2) gives Contreras solid chance to run one-two in this spot. #1 Gabbys Big Notion (5-1) was solid third at this level after exiting maiden special weight company and merits respect here for trainer Anthony Rideoutt II. #2 Bucks Lodge (9-2) was second two starts back at the level and could forge mild upset here for trainer Jean Rofe.
RACE 4
8-7-5-4
In this one-turn dash for state-bred $10,000 claiming fillies and mares, #8 Cedar Run’s Fire (5-1) gets favorable outside draw and gets nod for mild upset here for owner-trainer Mark Shanley. #7 Real Appeal (5-2) was solid second last out and looms the likely post time choice here for trainer Keith Brown. #5 Sooey’s Princess (9-2) has found going tough since graduating against maiden claimers earlier this spring for trainer Ronney Brown. #4 Fifty Gray Shades (3-1) was good fourth last out and merits respect here for trainer Janice Groves.
RACE 5
5-6-1-2
In this competitive, one-turn allowance dash for state-breds, #5 Mystic O’Shaunesie (7-2) was solid third at this level after graduating two back against maiden special weight foes for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. #6 Remys Gunsmoke (3-1) also graduated two back against maiden special weight foes for trainer Tim Grams and could atone for first try against winners last out. #1 Burr Hill Bullet (4-1) has delivered two modest efforts since graduating smartly in career debut for trainer Ronney Brown. #2 Settlement Date (5-1) also seeks to regain winning ways in fourth attempt against winners following upset score at first asking for trainer Analia Larrosa.
RACE 6
4-1-8-2
In this interesting, one-turn maiden special weight dash for three-year-old fillies, #4 Midnight Pass (2-1) was sharp second in career debut for trainer Jeff Runco and gets the nod to graduate here. #1 Miss Midnight (9-5) was solid second in last local outing last fall and makes return from Delaware Park for trainer James L Lawrence, II. #8 Talented Corinna (9-2) has been second once and third twice at this level for trainer Ronney Brown and gets favorable outside draw for potential surprise. #2 Lunar Notion (6-1) gives Brown outside chance to run one-two in this spot.
- Crabs N Beer has to win Maryland Million Turf, right?It’s gotta be destiny: a horse named Crabs N Beer has to win a Maryland Million race, doesn’t he? Keri Brion and Charles Blanford hope so.
RACE 7 – Fancy Buckles Stakes
1-9-5-2
In the Saturday night feature, the $75,000 Fancy Buckles Stakes for West Virginia-bred fillies and mares, #1 Our Diamond Girl (10-1) arrives as the defending champion of this event for trainer Tim Grams, who also conditioned the race’s namesake. #9 Good Karma (7-2) has been second in each of four previous outings since being claimed by Grams and gives conditioner solid chance to run one-two here. #5 Fancy Her Up (8-1) is one of only two three-year-old fillies tackling older foes here but has ample speed and John A. Casey-trained home bred will be one to catch in the lane. #2 Alpine Moon (4-1) has the most career wins (14) and starts (45) of the runners in this spot and gets acid test following starter allowance score last out.
RACE 8
1-2-5-6
In the Saturday night finale, a competitive, two-turn allowance for state-breds, #1 Well Equipped (5-1) looks to regain winning ways after two modest efforts against allowance company after posting sharp score in career debut against maiden special weight foes for trainer Crystal Pickett. #2 Windsor’s Tracker (4-1) graduated smartly last out against maiden special weight company for trainer Ronney Brown and repeat performance certainly possible. #5 Late in the Game (7-2) has been second in each of last two tries at this level and looms the likely post time favorite here for trainer James W. Casey. #6 Air Medal (6-1) graduated two back in career debut for trainer Jeff Runco but seeks to rebound from dull outing last out at this level.
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- Charles Town picks and analysis: October 12, 2024
1st.”Freya’s Blessing”will be among the missing
and”Warriorinthehouse”is another louse,”Swiss Horizon”
might not miss but I’ll give”Lil Sassy Girl”a whirl.
2nd.The”Doctor might be the real McCoy”
but “Doc Elm””Just Gets Better”.
3rd.Don’t sneeze at”More Please”but that”Prince might Reward”handsomely.
4th.”Real Appeal”might be the real deal,
but for me”Sister Secret Lee”I hope to see in the Winners Circle.
5th.”Remy could Gunsmoke”them away
but “Primetime Jet”is my bet.
6th.I have a “Lunar Notion”that “Midnight Pass”is this fast.
7th.”Talent is Expected”to bring “Good Karma”to Grams.
8th.”Thunderinreadtrick”is”Well Equipped”and”Hardly Ever Better”to do the trick tonight.
Not been hot tonight
but “Lunar Notion”changed that
at $31.60.