Charles Town picks and analysis: October 11, 2025
The Biz
October 11, 2025
Picks and analysis for this afternoon’s card from Charles Town Races:
- RACES ON CARD: 10
- CARRYOVERS:Â Jackpot Pick 6, $19,202
- POST TIME: 7:00 p.m.
RACE 1
| 2. C’Mon Eileen | Has simply dominated her rivals in two starts to date; debut came going six furlongs so added ground not likely to be an issue |
| 1. Edy’s Flame | Useful return to action after three months away after hard-trying second to top choice; average winning distance for Flameaway 2yo is 6.4 furlongs, so added ground should be in range |
| 4. Orange Canyon | Blitzed ’em in latest, and note that the runner-up was 15 clear of the rest; was it the slop, or is she this good? Here’s a good time to find out |
RACE 2
| 6. Poppy Mac | Heavy lift but the price should be square; improving sort should be engaged early and might have a chance to hang around a long time |
| 5. Zip Start | By far the most likely winner, but how low will these odds go? |
| 1. Marilyn Moonroe | Possible speed of the speed but concerned the two-turn trip isn’t her best |
RACE 3
| 9. Time to Rock | This horse is a major talent whose biggest problem has been his own gate issues; overcame a lot to win latest, and if he gets away cleanly, he can score the upset |
| 3. Duncan Idaho | Gotta watch out for the champ, who owns 15 wins at the trip, including all five this year; could be too good for these, though odds will be short |
| 4. Moonlit Notion | 6-for-6 is nothin’ to sneeze at; makes first start since May and sees toughest opposition yet |
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RACE 4
| 6. Tricks R for Juba | Ultra-game in staying on best of the speed trio in the Mercer and likely controlling speed in this spot; didn’t run badly in prior two-turn try at the Big T |
| 4. Gurney Halleck | Got the right trip over the top with the melting-down pace in latest; breeding says added ground won’t be an issue, but you are supposed to take a stand against horses who got the ideal trip, aren’t ya? |
| 7. Chuck Town | Two terrific battles with Gurney Halleck and this could be a third; had to pause at the head of the lane in latest, which may have cost him the win |
RACE 5
| 4. Somesugarnspice | Ran big against a much better group in only prior 9-furlong try in last year’s My Sister Pearl; a repeat of that wins here |
| 3. Jubaslilballerina | Speedster won going three turns last out but that was back in July; only showing one work since |
| 1. Malibu Years | Has some pretty OK tries but will navigate three turns for the first time |
RACE 6
| 3. Spotafreeone | Arrives with four straight wins, including over major rival Pascaline in latest; steady worktab for a barn that can win off the bench and is improving every start |
| 5. Im the Director | The Leavitt wasn’t his finest moment but other work puts him right there; should be in the early pace mix |
| 1. Pascaline | Mowed ’em down late in latest to snap five-race losing streak and runner-up Rum N Coke returned to win next; but note that he was 1-9 that day; maybe that’s the confidence boost he needed, but with the way he’s been getting bet at CT, we’d like to see more first |
RACE 7
| 2. No Change | Has split several races with Classic fave Teachintherelease and bested that rival in this event a year ago; should be tough again here |
| 8. Lord of Cork | Trainer Sigler got this guy going right about this time last year and he finished third in this event at 24-1; arrives off three straight solid outings with excuses in latest; likely value player |
| 6. Powered by Love | Doesn’t win much but may be speed of the speed and could stick around a long time |
RACE 8
| 7. The Sky Is Falling | Seems to have rediscovered what made her one of the top local distaffers of ’22; late-running sort should get the pace she wants, and trainer’s other runner might ensure that |
| 4. Overnight Pow Wow | Likely wins on best but has been beaten at short odds in two straight and it’s curious that trainer McKee hasn’t run this miss around two turns this year |
| 1. Petty Perfect | Outfinished by top choice two straight but enters in good form and wouldn’t surprise if she got a piece |
RACE 9
| 10. Runaldo | He’ll need his best of the season to defend his crown in this event but should get a lively pace to run at; if he can find his ’24 form, he’ll be right there; beat next-out winner Dorado in latest |
| 8. Teachintherelease | Enters in terrific form, and dominated the 9-furlong Funkhouser Memorial last year; best wins, but the concern is there’s other speed signed on that could create a livelier pace than this front-runner wants; needs to be on your tickets but may be worth hunting better value in the top spot in verticals |
| 5. Xcellent Start | Last couple aren’t great, but prior form was strong; has needed some runners to take the starch out of Teachintherelease in last couple and may see that scenario here; may not be quite good enough to get the money but could easily get a piece |
RACE 10
| 1. Party Time for Me | Rallied smartly to best 1-5 Overnight Pow Wow in the Autumn; repeat likely wins here |
| 4. Maggie’s Girl | Tricky read: historically she’s loved this trip, but last time she tried it in the Fancy Buckles she just couldn’t get her feet moving; on best she’s main speed and a major player; otherwise…? |
| 8. Moonlit Kiss | Rallying type gives Grams a chance to run one-two |
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- Charles Town picks and analysis: October 11, 2025
rick be
11th Oct 20251.Russell lost her big one,she should get some consolation here if”Truth and Justice”does prevail
2.It’s hard to part with”Zip Start”but”Poppy Mac”can make her earn it
3.”Duncan Idaho”is ready to go but it may be”Time to Rock”for”Pleasenthanku”
4.”The Big T”hee-hee,”Gurney Halleck”will kick the heck outa them
rick be
11th Oct 20255.”Jubaslittleballerina”will dance into the winners circle leaving”Malibu Years”in tears.
6.”Spotafreeone”would come in if”Pascaline”doesn’t mind
7.”Social Chic”is my pick if”Youthinkthatsfunny”honey try”Juba’s Hat Trick”
rick be
11th Oct 20258.I’m always calling for “The Sky is Falling”on”Juba’s Parade”tho”Ovrnight Pow could Wow”
9.”Teachintherelease”is a real beast but an”Xcellent Start”can get”I’m the Money Man”the hand
10.”Maggie’s Girl”is worth a whirl but I won’t miss a “Moonlit Kiss”from”Miss Bee Bop”