Charles Town picks and analysis: December 17

  • userTed Black
  • dateDecember 17, 2022

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

Carryovers: None

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1

5-6-10-1

In the opener on the final card of the 2022 season at Charles Town, #5 Gandhi’s Orion (7-2) should benefit from recent outing over the strip for trainer Kristy Gazzier and garner his diploma in this two-turn maiden $5,000 claiming event. #6 Stavanger (5-2) exits maiden special weight company last out for trainer Anthony Farrior and looms the logical post time favorite in this spot. #10 Are You Happy (3-1) was solid second at the level last out and is seeking to score in 13th outing this year and 25th career try for trainer Kevin Joy. #1 Turtleneck Ted (10-1) gets favorable inside draw and could complete several gimmicks at a generous price here.

RACE 2

1-3-6-7

In this two-turn allowance for state-bred two-year-old fillies to cap the early daily double, #1 Music Lass (5-2) was sharp second against male rivals in the recent West Virginia Futurity for trainer Clifford Tuomisto and looks poised to regain her winning ways here as the solid choice. #3 Xanthe (3-1) graduated last out in her third try against maiden special weight foes and seeks second straight tally while trying winners for the first time for owner-trainer Gerasimos Moschonoas. #6 Lucky Blonde (4-1) graduated last out after exiting a pair of stakes and seeks second straight tally here for trainer Tim Grams. #7 Keep On Spurrin (6-1) exits a pair of state-bred stakes for owner-trainer Kristy Petty and merits an upset chance.

RACE 3

1-8-4-2

In this two-turn event for maiden $5,000 claimers, #1 Rip It (7-2) makes second start over the strip for trainer Donnovan Haughton and gets favorable inside draw with solid chance at diploma. #8 Gorun (6-5) finished solid third last out and looms the odds-on choice in this group for trainer Anthony Farrior. #4 To Live Is To Love (5-1) finished 10th in career debut against maiden special weight company at Colonial Downs in August and seeks improved effort in local debut for trainer Javier Contreras. #2 My Miracle Man (8-1) could complete several gimmicks at a decent price here for trainer Tim Shanley.

RACE 4

10-13-7-8

In this one-turn dash for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #10 Lunar Prayer (9-2) was solid third last out and gets favorable outside draw for trainer Ralph Comi, Jr. with chance to end seasonal drought. #13 Jalebi Baby (8-5) could be odds-on in this spot for trainer Anthony Farrior if she gets in off the AE list. #7 Risksrhighpayislow (3-1) has been in good form of late for trainer Michael Atkins and certainly merits respect here. #8 Red Priestess (5-1) graduated against maiden claimers last out in her 17th career outing and seeks second straight score while facing winners for the first time.

RACE 5

6-10-9-3

In this one-turn maiden special weight dash for state-bred two-year-olds, #6 Gold Fiber (3-1) was solid second in career debut at this level and looks destined to graduate here for owner-breeder-trainer John McKee. #10 La Maddalena (5-1) was also second in her career debut for trainer Crystal Pickett and looks to garner her diploma against primarily male rivals here. #9 Gettin Spicy (9-1) makes career debut off a series of solid gate works for trainer Tim Grams and merits respect in this spot. #3 Two Room School (7-2) was third in each of last two for trainer Greg Viands and cannot be overlooked here.

RACE 6

1-3-2-4

In this two-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #1 Dance to the Beach (7-5) makes local debut for trainer Anthony Farrior after winning three of her first four starts at Finger Lakes and looms the odds-on choice despite the three-month break. #3 Social Exclusion (12-1) exits allowance company in local debut following a win at Finger Lakes and merits an upset chance at a generous price. #2 Lady Kaza (9-2) won two back against similar and gets chance to atone for allowance outing last out for trainer Kevin Joy. #4 Torch Carrier (5-1) prevailed last out over the strip for trainer Charles Frock and seeks second straight here.

RACE 7

10-11-8-5

In this one-turn maiden special weight dash for state-breds, #10 In the Limelight (5-1) showed improvement last out at the level and gets favorable outside draw for solid upset chance for trainer Vernon Greaves. #11 Officer Stone (9-2) appears set for career debut off a series of solid recent works for trainer Ollie Figgins III and merits respect if he draws in off the AE list. #8 My Phoenix (5-2) makes second start off lengthy respite for trainer John McKee but has yet to hit the board in eight previous outings. #5 It’s Only Money (10-1) is looking to live up to the reputation of his previous namesake for trainer Crystal Pickett.

RACE 8

9-8-11-6

In this one-turn dash for $6,250 claimers, #9 Father Walsh (4-1) exits a pair of allowance events at Finger Lakes and gets favorable outside draw for local debut for trainer Ollie Figgins III of Dance to Bristol Fame. #8 Moss Boss (7-2) won last out and twice in his last three tries for trainer Kevin Joy and certainly merits respect in this competitive group. #11 Campeador (3-1) has certainly faced much tougher at Gulfstream Park and deserves a look off the five-month break for trainer Anthony Farrior if he gets in off the AE list. #6 Jungle Warrior (5-1) exits a pair of recent allowance events and gives Joy a modest chance to run one-two in this spot.

RACE 9

1-7-6-5

In the Saturday night and season finale and the ultimate “get out” race for local players, #1 Shesahumblehustler (4-1) gets coveted rail draw and should finally graduate in this two-turn maiden $5,000 claiming event for fillies and mares for trainer Tim Shanley. #7 Why Lea (3-1) was solid second last out and merits respect here for trainer Kristy Gazzier. #6 Can’t Figure (5-2) has spent much of the season facing maiden special weight foes for owner-trainer john Stahlin and looms the solid choice in this spot. #5 Little MIss Minion (9-2) makes second start over the strip for trainer Jamey Johnson and could forge a mild upset here in the season finale.

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