Charles Town picks and horses to watch: November 18

Charles Town Races has an eight-race card on tap for this evening. Post time for the opener is 7:00 p.m., and we’ve got Charles Town picks.

Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6, $15,709

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE

Race 2

CONTENDERS

8-5-1-6

ANALYSIS

Top choice #8 Benny the Book (3-1) has run three good ones since coming to CT in the Stacey Viands barn and last out was second at this never-two allowance level. Breaking from the outside should allow rider Fredy Peltroche to use this one’s early zip to best advantage… #5 Pudge Boy Palace (7-2) graduated last out in first try for the Farrior barn and should be a player in this spot… #1 Alexis S (5-2) gets the nod as a.m. favorite and certainly could win, but we’re inclined to try to beat him in the top spot. It will be both his first local try and first race on the main track, and while he’s got several fast works on the resume, we’d like to see him perform on the dirt before accepting likely short odds… #6 Baagy (4-1) makes his first start after being claimed by trainer Kevin Joy, who’s 19% first off the claim…

Race 7

2-6-5-1

Let’s try for an upset with the speedy #2 Super Garner (10-1). This guy won 10 of 12 starts last year but missed all of this season until October 20, when he finished fourth against better at Delaware. He certainly owns the right to improve in his second off the bench, is probably speed of the speed, and has dominated state-breds in his few recent tries against them… #6 Command the Cat (3-1) just missed against similar last out and two back was a close-up fifth in the Onion Juice. That effort has been flattered by subsequent results, with winner C R’s Mandate running well in the Funkhouser Memorial and show horse Social Chic winning an allowance… #5 Auburn Mill (7-2) disappointed when up the track in last, which was his first try in the Farrior barn, and he may have his hooves full with the early gas of Super Garner. But his better efforts make him a contender… The formful #1 Nico (5-2) has been one-two in five of six outings at the trip…

LATEST NEWS