• Ted Black
• July 16, 2022

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

Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6 $38,909

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1

1-2-6-3

In the Saturday night opener, a three-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #1 Officer Appeal (1-5) likely gets the card off to a very chalky start for trainer Anthony Farrior while complemented by very favorable rail draw. #2 Step Out Dancing (6-1) draws alongside odds-on choice and has best chance for mild upset here for trainer and former jockey Keturah Obed-Letts. #6 Righteous Man (5-1) was solid third last out and could forge surprise in this spot for trainer Lenworth Sewell. #3 Chesapeake Charlie (9-2) was good second last out for trainer Edward Schotroffe and will be among those looking to topple railbound chalk in the opener.

RACE 2

1-6-4-3

In this two-turn allowance for state-bred fillies and mares that could cap a $3 early daily double payoff, #1 The Better One (3-5) prevailed smartly last out for owner-trainer and former jockey Kristy Petty and will be odds-on in repeat bid here. #6 Boundtobeok (5-1) was solid third last out for trainer James W. Casey and could forge mild upset here. #4 Jamestown Road (9-2) has been consistent sort and gives Casey outside chance to win one-two here. #3 Long Legs Louise (4-1) won two back and gets chance to atone for latest outing for trainer and former jockey William R. “Ray” Lewis, Jr.

RACE 3

1-7-6-2

In this interesting, two-turn event for starter/optional runners, #1 King Nekia (3-1) already boasts three wins this year and gets favorable rail draw for trainer Wade Sanderson with chance to atone for fifth-place effort last out. #7 Prota (9-5) was sharp second two back and gets chance for redemption in this spot for trainer Jeff Runco. #6 Fire Down Below (5-2) won last out and could repeat here despite six-week break for owner-trainer Amy Albright. #2 Nova Boy (5-1) gets good inside post and could forge mild surprise for trainer Ollie Figgins III.

RACE 4

1-2-3-4

In this competitive three-turn allowance for older runners, #1 Ghost Stalker (4-1) gets favorable rail draw for local debut following several very good efforts in Maryland for trainer Richard Sillaman. #2 Spitball (9-5) also draws well for trainer Anthony Farrior and likely assumes favorite’s role at post time. #3 Savoy (2-1) arrives off a pair of victories at Penn National and gives Farrior decent chance to run one-two here. #4 Northern Ridge (7-2) has been second and third in lone tries this year for trainer Jamey Johnson and certainly merits respect in this spot.

RACE 5

6-7-1-5

In this wide open, two-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #6 Holiday Avenue (5-1) is seeking to regain winning ways after earning diploma in April and can atone for latest two dull outings. #7 Unimpeached (5-2) makes local debut for trainer David Walters after spending most of his career at Gulfstream Park and certainly merits respect at a short price here. #1 Dashing Circles (8-5) gets favorable rail draw for trainer Ollie Figgins III of Dance to Bristol fame and will get plenty of support at the windows. #5 Boneyardholler (6-1) is also seeking first triumph since garnering diploma at Penn National five months ago.

RACE 6

4-3-2-1

In this interesting two-turn allowance for state-bred older males, #4 Humpty Grumpty (8-1) appears poised for a genuine upset i this spot for trainer Javier Contreras. #3 Ministry of Magic (4-1) has been consistent sort throughout for trainer Anthony Rideout II and merits respect here. #2 Shameless Risk (5-2) ended mild drought last out with victory and looms a threat for repeat effort in this spot. #1 Social Chic (2-1) gets favorable inside draw while seeking to regain solid sophomore form for trainer Jeff Runco.

RACE 7

4-2-5-1

In this very interesting one-turn allowance dash for older runners that could easily pass for a stake, #4 Penguin Power (2-1) showed plenty of zip in one-turn stakes last out and gets the nod for mild upset here for trainer Jeff Runco. #2 Hypothesis (7-5) won the $75,000 It’s Only Money last out in seasonal debut for trainer Crystal Pickett but had favorable outside draw that night and reverts inward in this spot. #5 Nico (3-1) also exits the It’s Only Money and looms a threat to upend top two choices here for trainer Javier Contreras. #1 Golden Key (10-1) has plenty of ability but Ronney Brown trainee is burdened with tricky rail draw once again.

RACE 8

3-1-10-11

In this competitive, two-turn allowance for state-breds to cap the card, #3 Blue N Gold (4-1) was sharp second last out on the heels of two third-place efforts and gets the nod for mild upset here for trainer Javier Contreras. #1 Road Slew (9-2) graduated two back and was good third at this level last out for trainer Ernesto Perez and merits respect with rail draw. #10 Mystic O’Shaunesie (7-2) scratched out of one-turn event for this spot but post could prove detrimental. #11 Felicias Castle (3-1) will get plenty of support if Kevin Patterson trainee gets in off the also eligible list.