Charles Town picks and analysis: March 28, 2026

RACE 1: 4-5-2-6

We’ll take a shot in the opener. #4 Randy Said So showed absolutely nothing in his first five races. But given some downtime and on Lasix for the first time, he responded with a good try to be fourth at 44-1 in a race that’s produced a next-out winner. Further improvement is necessary, but we think it’s a distinct possibility… #5 The Commack Kid has been 5-2 or less in four straight without winning and will be less than that here; his best might be good enough, but at the likely odds, we’ll look around… #2 Scar Nose enters in good form, though he was no match for 2-5 Sokota in latest…

RACE 2: 7-1-4-6

Solid outing for #7 McHale in his season debut for a barn that’s been hitting on all cylinders; outside draw a plus… #1 Go Go Jelly Roll has run well enough in two starts on synthetic in Kentucky and is half to a six-time dirt winner; trainer Joy has done well first off the claim… His recent form is terrible, but it’s worth remembering that #4 Street Player broke his maiden in special weight company at GP and was then 2-1 in a stake last summer; that’s a different resume than you usually see at this level…

RACE 3: 1-6-7-3

Fifth of June’s latest was solid, as she broke slowly before rushing up inside rivals to take the lead before tiring in late stages; a cleaner break will probably put her in the winner’s circle in this group, though, leaving from the rail, a poor break could be deadly…A Deiter exacta? Not out of the realm with #6 Rio Oso here; this miss had a useful debut last summer at Timonium, when she rallied willingly after taking the worst of the break… #7 Holy Brick makes her third start off the bench after finishing third at 3-10 in latest…

RACE 4: 2-3-5-1

#2 Charlienite returns from a lengthy layoff and has won this race previously but was DQed; a return to prior form would probably be sufficient, and the bullet work March 13 that was nearly two seconds faster than any other at the distance suggests he’s ready… If he catches a dry track, look for an improved outing from #3 Mille Parole, whose three-back second after the rider lost his irons was exceptional… #5 Laugh Out Loud just missed against similar two back and should appreciate returning to a dash distance…

RACE 5: 6-1-3-5

#6 Head Lad should get a good trip pressing the pace and will be a challenge to reel in; never worse than second in six tries at the trip… #1 Ascendance couldn’t get to loose-on-the-lead winner in useful return to action, but could get some help from top choice here and should run a good one today… #3 Rick’swarmheart got a perfect trip two back to win versus similar but was left with plenty to do last out; never worse than third in eight at the distance…

RACE 6: 7-3-5-6

He didn’t beat much in latest, but #7 Mr Mahomes was the easiest kind of winner last out to break his maiden and is drawn well outside today… #3 Good Intentions makes his third start off the bench and first for the Schottroffe barn… #5 Just a Wizard probably should win this race but is likely to get bet down from the morning line of 9-5, so value will be sketchy; easily won in only prior try in claiming company…

RACE 7: 1-6-8-5

In her two two-turn tries since breaking her maiden, #1 Golden Plunge has run second and catches a group that’s perhaps a bit light here…#6 Our Memories registered a career-best 62 Beyer speed figure last out in her first try around two turns, running second against similar; could have been the slop, but perhaps this is what she wants to do… #8 Climate Change didn’t fire last out as the even-money fave, but prior outings were solid and fit here…

RACE 8: 8-1-6-4

The gradually improving #8 Nostrana ran an improved race last out when dropped into the claiming ranks and finds the lowest level yet in this spot… #1 Fernando’s Gold ran better and last out going two turns and recorded his career-best Beyer fig going 4 1/2, as is the case today… #6 Shook Me All Night certainly could win here and consistently has the best speed figs of the group, but taking short odds to win on a horse that’s 0-for-22 is a little tough to stomach; use him in the multis, but try to beat him to win…

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