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!)
Check out our other handicapping here!
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.
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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.
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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.
LATEST NEWS
1st.”Harpersgonfishin”should be dishing out a narrow defeat to”Golden Arrow”.
2nd.Rail Draw PSHAW,I’ll have a fit if”Tizbit” beats “Katalima” tonight,but:Tapping South”might.
3rd.”Downtowncharlybrown”may come around and”Social Chic”looks sleek.
1,2,3:Looks like i’m right,
maybe it will be a good night.
I would like to see what the stats on PPs are,
are they published in the Racing Biz?
4th.”Vegas Princess”has some”Real Appeal”but a”Blonde Thing”would bring a big smile to my face.
5th.I’m not quite sold on”Dat Dares Gold”so my”Likely Choice”is”Rock Rose”by a long nose.
6th.”One Night Mike” and”Icing”will look niceing in the”Penguin Parade”,I’m afraid.
4th.”Look for”Blonde Thing” to bring it home the next time.
5th.A very long nose has “Rock Rose”.
6th.The Tri wooda paid better in a different order.
7th.I can see Willy Kee”Marched”into the Buccouse,not the Winners Circle,”S S Alaskan Cruzed”there already.
8th.”Nearest N Dearest”has an interesting history but she’s no”Barbers Point”or “Lucky Blonde”.
9th.’Tequila Fog”is no dog,” and”Annlka Gold”may fold
7th.We were both”Hazednconfused”by this race.
8th.We both had the exacta