Charles Town picks and analysis: December 9, 2023

  • userTed Black
  • dateDecember 9, 2023

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

CARRYOVERS

  • Jackpot Pick 6, $2,562

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1

4-5-3-2

In the opening race on the penultimate Saturday night card for the 2023 racing season at Charles Town, a rare, three-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #4 Barrelhouse (3-1) gets the nod for mild upset off several good recent efforts at the level for trainer Anthony Farrior. #5 S S Spartan Energy (5-2) looms the logical post time favorite in this spot and gives Farrior chance to run one-two. #3 Leg Up (4-1) has also been in good form lately and figures prominently in this spot for trainer Lela Hanagan. #2 California Ghost (8-1) could work out an ideal trip with the draw and could complete several gimmicks at a generous price.

RACE 2

1-2-6-5

In this two-turn event for $5,000 claimers, #1 Ride the Rapids (7-2) gets favorable inside draw for trainer Ronney Brown and looks poised for mild upset to cap the early daily double. #2 Party Monster (5-2) looms the tepid post time choice in this spot and will be a factor through much of it. #6 Extra Crunchy (3-1) also should be able to make his presence known throughout and could be poised for mild upset. #5 Beckon (8-1) cannot be immediately dismissed and could complete several gimmicks at a decent price here.

RACE 3

3-7-6-2

In this interesting, competitive allowance for older horses, #3 Hot Fudge Sonde (7-2) was solid second last out and looks at attain first win from ninth seasonal try for trainer Jamey Johnson. #7 Personable (9-5) has been third in each of last two allowance efforts and could improve on both of those outings here for trainer Javier Contreras. #6 Stomping Moon (5-2) graduated against maiden special weight foes last out in local debut for trainer Kevin Joy and seeks repeat score while facing winners for the first time. #2 Bon Bueno (5-1) was solid second against claimers last out after graduating two back and cannot be completely dismissed.

RACE 4

3-4-1-2

In this two-turn event for state-bred $10,000 claimers, #3 Red Hot Toddy (4-1) was decent fourth last out and looks to improve on that outing for trainer Mike Jones, Jr. #4 Lastwalktofreedom (1-1) was solid second last out for trainer Anthony Farrior and looms an odds-on proposition in this spot. #1 Monkey Wrench (15-1) gets favorable rail draw and chances to atone for several modest recent tries. #2 Hillbilly Rock (10-1) has yet to hit the board from 10 previous tries but could work out an ideal trip here.

RACE 5

7-6-5-3

In this one-turn allowance dash for state-bred fillies and mares, #7 S S Cosmopolitan (12-1) graduated last out against maiden special weight company at Mountaineer Park and seeks second straight while returning to face winners. #6 Shewearsstilletos (9-5) has been second in each of last two tries against similar and seeks to end recent bridesmaid status for trainer Ronney Brown. #5 Our Great Notion (5-1) was solid second against claimers last out and seeks upset here for trainer Tim Grams. #3 Machen Margaritas (3-1) graduated last out against maiden special weight foes at a big price and seeks repeat while trying winners for the first time.

RACE 6

1-7-2-3

In this rare, three-turn allowance for state-breds, #1 Vagabond Virgin (7-5) seeks second straight allowance score for trainer Jeff Runco and gets favorable inside draw for repeat bid. #7 Grumpy’s Buddy (7-2) has been second and third in two starts since facing stakes company on WVBC card and gives Runco genuine chances to run one-two here. #2 Don’tcalltooearly (15-1) won three back and looks to atone for trio of latest outings. #3 Summoning Denis (5-1) won last out against similar and seeks second straight score for trainer Kristy Petty.

RACE 7

2-4-8-7

In this wide open, two-turn allowance for older runners, #2 Bomboloni (9-2) gets favorable inside draw for local debut after winning at Delaware Park last out for trainer Phil Capuano. #4 Gamma Squeeze (6-1) finished solid third last out against similar after besting claimers two back and merits respect here. #8 By Its Absence (3-1) arrives off two straight wins against claimers at Laurel Park and looks for third straight score here. #7 Askin for a Baskin (4-1) won last out against claimers at Mahoning Valley and seeks second straight tally in this spot.

RACE 8

3-7-1-4

In this interesting, two-turn maiden special weight event for state-bred fillies and mares to cap the card, #3 She’s a Brickhouse (4-1) has been second in each of last two outings against similar and looks poised to graduate here for trainer Kathleen Hamlin. #7 Miss Argentina (9-5) returns from outing against winners last out and likely assumes favorite’s role for trainer Jeff Runco. #1 True Buckpassing (6-1) was sixth in career debut last out but gets favorable rail draw here with chance to improve on initial outing. #4 Far More (9-2) was good second last out and cannot be overlooked in the nightcap.

LATEST NEWS