Charles Town picks and analysis: February 18, 2023

  • userTed Black
  • dateFebruary 18, 2023

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

Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6, $42,159

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1

6-5-3-1

In the opener, a one-turn allowance for state-bred fillies and mares, #6 Jacks Sister Jill (7-5) was solid second in seasonal debut and gets the nod to prevail as the likely favorite here for trainer Roland Clement III. #5 River Rewards Rvf (3-1) makes seasonal debut for owner-trainer Ronney Brown but draws just inside the choice and should be prominent throughout. #3 Siente La Brisa (4-1) scored in her seasonal debut for owner-trainer Joseph Stehr and seeks mild upset in repeat bid. #1 Cedar’s Wish (7-2) makes fourth start in busy campaign and steps up from claimers for this outing.

RACE 2

1-4-5-3

In this two-turn event for maiden $15,000 claiming three-year-old fillies, #1 True Queen (9-2) gets favorable inside draw for local and seasonal debut for owner-trainer Orlando Rose and looks poised for mild surprise here. #4 Me Darlin Kathleen (2-5) was solid second at the level in local debut last out and looms the shortest-priced favorite on the card for trainer Anthony Farrior. #5 Irish Cream (8-1) was nondescript seventh in career debut last out for trainer John Carlisle but should benefit from that effort. #3 Credit Committee (6-1) was fourth in local debut against similar after arriving from Churchill Downs for trainer Jeff Runco and cannot be overlooked in this spot.

RACE 3

4-1-2-3

In this interesting and competitive, two-turn allowance, #4 Debit Card (9-5) gets the chance to atone for latest outing after winning local debut two back for trainer Flint Stites. #1 Motawaafeq (7-2) returns after two outings elsewhere and won previous local effort. #2 Sue Loves Barbados (8-5) makes seasonal debut after ending previous campaign with a solid local score for trainer Phil Capuano and merits respect here. #3 Pyeong Chang (8-1) also makes seasonal debut for trainer Jeff Runco and could forge genuine upset in this spot.

RACE 4

5-7-4-1

In this two-turn maiden special weight event for older runners, #5 Moses Water (8-5) arrives off a pair of good outings against maiden claimers at Laurel Park and certainly looms the one to beat here at possible odds-on offering. #7 Adara (6-1) was solid second last out in second local outing for trainer Stacey Viands and deserves an upset chance. #4 Full Ahead (7-2) makes local debut following career bow at Gulfstream Park and gives Farrior solid chance to run one-two here. #1 Surprise Hello (5-1) makes local debut off decent try at Laurel last out and could complete several gimmicks in this spot.

RACE 5

7-6-5-4

In this one-turn dash for $10,000 claimers, #7 Charitably Gifted (10-1) exits allowance company and gets favorable outside draw with solid upset prospects for trainer Glenn Harrison of Mean Bean fame. #6 So Courageous (3-1) prevailed last out in seasonal debut and seeks second straight score for trainer Ollie Figgins III of Dance to Bristol fame. #5 Doc Elm (4-1) has been second in each of last three tries and merits respect here for trainer Ronney Brown. #4 Froggy the Gremlin (5-2) exits allowance company and will likely get ample support off the drop.

RACE 6

4-5-7-8

In this wide open two-turn event for maiden $15,000 claimers, #4 Wesright (6-1) was solid second in seasonal debut at the level and gets to atone for fourth-place finish last out for trainer Ronney Brown. #5 Bodyslam (6-1) was good third last out at the level for trainer Crystal Pickett and certainly merits respect here. #8 Chrome Heir (3-1) exits maiden special weight company and looms the post time choice in this spot for trainer Jeff Runco. #6 Malibu Rock Star (8-1) also exits maiden special weight foes and deserves consideration at a decent price here for trainer Stacey Viands of Parisian Diva fame.

RACE 7

3-6-4-2

In this rare, three-turn allowance for older, #3 With Secret Energy (7-2) has won both of his starts this year for trainer Anthony Farrior and gets the nod for mild upset while seeking third straight score here. #6 Late in the Game (2-1) has always shown a tendency to rally late for minor spoils and expect a similar result here for trainer Kristy Petty. #4 Raise a Speights (5-2) has been first and second in two seasonal outings for Farrior and gives leading trainer solid chance to run one-two here. #2 Toe Tappin Luke (8-1) has been fourth in each of first two seasonal outings for trainer Justin Morrell and looks likely to round out the superfecta.

RACE 8

2-1-9-8

In the Saturday night finale, a wide open two-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #2 Frankee Merch (12-1) makes third attempt at first seasonal score and gets the nod for genuine upset to cap the card. #1 Cayenne Creek (5-1) was solid third in seasonal debut and could forge mild surprise here for trainer Ronney Brown. #9 Prota (3-1) was sixth against tougher in seasonal debut last out for trainer Jeff Runco and looms the solid post time favorite in this group. #8 Sugar Daddy (8-1) was good third in seasonal debut and gets the chance to atone for latest effort.

LATEST NEWS