Charles Town picks and analysis: march 18, 2023

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

Carryovers: Jackpot Pick 6, $148,644 (mandatory payout today!)

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RACE 1

3-2-1-6

In this Saturday night opener, a two-turn maiden special weight for state-breds, #3 Golden Arrow (8-5) settled for minor spoils in his career debut for trainer Jeff Runco but figures to improve off of that effort. #2 He’s Clever (2-1) was good third last out in second try for trainer Tim Grams and certainly merits respect seeking his diploma here. #1 Don’tcalltooearly (5-1) makes third start this year for trainer Michael Atkins and looks to graduate in 11th career try. #6 Harpersgonefishing (9-2) was good third in seasonal debut for trainer John Carlisle but returns off 10-week respite.

RACE 2

1-5-7-3

In this competitive, two-turn event for $10,000 claiming fillies and mares, #1 Tizbit (5-1) gets favorable rail draw for trainer Ryan Gillespie and gets nod for mild upset here. #5 Katalima (7-5) exits allowance company and was solid second last attempt at the level for trainer Lela Hanagan. #7 Dallas (2-1) also exits allowance company last two local outings and seeks first tally since graduating against maiden special weight foes here. #3 Victory Royale (6-1) was good third last out against similar and merits respect here.

RACE 3

3-2-5-1

In this competitive, interesting, two-turn allowance/optional $25,000 claiming event for older runners, #3 Debit Card (7-2) gets the nod for mild upset while seeking his second straight score over the strip for trainer Flint Stites. #2 Social Chic (5-2) has been a model of consistency throughout his career for trainer Jeff Runco and certainly merits respect in this spot. #5 Nico (2-1) figures to get plenty of backing here for trainer Javier Contreras and looms a genuine threat to the top pair. #1 Downtownchalybrown (5-1) was fourth in latest outing locally against similar but gets favorable rail draw here for trainer Tim Kreiser.

RACE 4

7-5-1-6

In this one-turn dash for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #7 Vegas Princess (9-2) gets favorable outside draw for trainer John Carlisle and gets the nod for mild upset in this event. #5 Real Appeal (9-5) will likely get ample support in this spot for trainer Kevin Joy off solid second-place effort two months ago. #1 I Shallbe Released (8-5) has finished fourth in each of three previous seasonal outings for trainer Jeff Runco and seeks to atone despite tricky rail draw here. #6 Awesome Moon (6-1) seeks second straight tally after graduating against maiden claimers last out for trainer Mike Jones, Jr.

RACE 5

1-6-7-8

In this rare, three-turn allowance for fillies and mares, #1 Likely Choice (3-1) gets favorable inside draw for route race and gets the nod for mild upset for trainer Ronney Brown. #6 Rock Rose (6-5) arrives off a solid score at Laurel Park last out for trainer Anthony Farrior and looms the solid choice despite outer draw. #7 Dat Dares Gold (9-2) won last out in second local outing for trainer Ernest Haynes and merits respect here. #8 Elianagrace (5-1) was good third two starts back and will seek to atone for seventh-place effort last out for trainer Kevin Joy.

RACE 6

4-2-5-3

In this interesting, two-turn allowance for state-bred older horses, #4 Icing (5-2) won last out and already sports a pair of wins from three seasonal outings for trainer Norm “Lynn” Cash and could forge very mild upset in this spot. #2 One Night Mike (9-5) was solid second against similar last out and looms the tepid choice here for trainer Javier Contreras. #5 Hopping Henry (10-1) won two starts back and seeks to atone for fourth-place effort last out for trainer Michael Sterling. #3 Remys Showtime (10-1) has been consistent sort throughout his career and could complete several gimmicks here for trainer Mike Jones, Jr.

RACE 7

1-2-5-3

In this interesting, two-turn allowance for state-bred older runners, #1 Marched (5-2) returns from Laurel Park following modest fourth-place effort and looks to regain winning ways in this spot for trainer Willie Kee. #2 Grumpy’s Buddy (7-2) graduated against maiden special weight foes last out and seeks second straight tally while trying winners for the first time for trainer Jeff Runco. #5 Neverpopthecork (2-1) has delivered three modest efforts against allowance foes after graduating against maiden special weight company last fall. #3 S S Alaskan Cruz (10-1) has performed well against claimers locally and makes the leap into allowance competition for this spot.

RACE 8

5-7-2-1

In this competitive, two-turn allowance for state-bred fillies and mares, #5 Nearest N Dearest (7-2) graduated against maiden claimers last out at Santa Anita and makes first try against winners after transcontinental journey. #7 Barbers Point (7-5) graduated in her career debut two months ago for trainer Jeff Runco and looms the solid post time choice despite two-month respite. #2 Keep On Spurrin (5-1) has finished third in each of last three tries against allowance company and figures to post similar result here for trainer Kristy Petty. #1 Iheartrainacomn (15-1) was good second against claimers two back and could complete several gimmicks with favorable rail draw here.

RACE 9

4-5-9-2

In the Saturday night finale, a two-turn event for $5,000 claiming fillies and mares, #4 Annika Gold (3-1) makes her seasonal debut off a series of solid works for trainer Riquelvis Grullon and seeks 12th win of her career in this spot. #5 Tequila Fog (6-5) also makes her seasonal debut in this spot for trainer Anthony Farrior and looms the potential odds-on choice here. #9 China Cat (9-2) has always been a model of consistency over this strip for trainer Ernest Haynes of Lake Ponchatrain fame. #2 Mae Sai Princess (12-1) gets a favorable draw and could complete several gimmicks at a very generous price.

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