Charles Town Picks & Analysis – Saturday, February 20th, 2021
Edison Hatter — Twitter: @Edison_1999_
Most Likely Winner: Race 8- (6) BELLA GIANNA
Race 1: (4) UPSY DAISY DO had a promising second-place finish at this condition in her first try last out. Can come from slightly off the pace and could graduate today. (5) LADY MADISON had a visually impressive romp last time out and now steps up to the non-winners of three condition for the first time. She is definitely a major contender. Likewise, (6) BLAZING BOURBON graduated from the non-winners of two level last time out and takes the jump up to this level for the first time. Also a serious contender, but may end up wide into the first turn or have to be hustled out of the gate to get position.
Picks: 4-5-6
Race 2: (6) DANCING DESTINY had a nice wire-to-wire win last time out and appears to be the speed of the speed here. Expect this one to get to the lead and never look back, but will likely be a very short price. (3) SILKEN BELLE has hit the board in three straight. She should be forwardly placed in here and should be in the finish. (7) RISKSRHIGHPAYISLOW is turning back to 4.5 furlongs after a win stretching out. Has hit the board in three contests in a row at this distance and could catch a piece again today.
Picks: 6-3-7
Race 3: (6) KEYED UP has had two good starts so far for trainer John Carlisle: a win against maiden foes at Charles Town and a good second against a salty claiming field at Laurel Park. She looks to make it 2-for-2 at Charles Town tonight. (2) CLASSY ESCORT is coming off of a maiden win and trainer Anthony Farrior is hitting at 31% with horses coming off a win. (3) VIVE EL MOMENTO has hit the board in 4 of 4 tries so far. She is coming off a layoff and makes her first start at Charles Town. One to consider underneath.
Picks: 6-2-3
Race 4: (5) CITY PRINCESS should make the lead in here and may face little pace resistance. Serious chance to wire this field. (2) SHE’S RIGHT will be coming from off the pace. She has the best last race Beyer in this field, but pace setup will likely not favor her chances to win. (3) LADY’S CORK is inconsistent, showing flashes of good form, followed by several poor races. Does seem to like the distance though, hitting the board in 7 of 14 attempts. Consider solely underneath as a means of spicing up exotic wagers.
Picks: 5-2-3
Race 5: (4) RED HOT COOKIE is making her second career start for trainer Ronny Brown, who is hitting at 20% with second-time maiden starters. Also stretches out to two turns for the first time. (7) PARTLY DANDY was much better out last time than in the debut. Can improve again here today. (8) SING FROSTY is a 21-start maiden, so maybe not a serious win contender here, but has been picking up the pieces lately. Against this mostly inexperienced field, she may pick up a check again.
Picks: 4-7-8
Race 6: (3) P J’S EGO should get a stalking trip outside the early leaders and has the talent to put this field away down the stretch. (4) ALLABOUTAPRINCESS has shown the ability to win from off the pace before, a useful tactic in a field full of early speed. Distance may be a little short for her though. (1) PAUL’S PLUNDER should have the tactical advantage from the rail, but make be weakened up by an early speed scrum.
Picks: 3-4-1
Race 7: (6) SONDE OF MUSIC is in really good form right now and should get a nice trip tucked in behind the early leaders. (5) COLLEGE KID is likely equally talented but maybe softened up by an early battle for supremacy with (1) MAKE IT A DOUBLE. Despite the early pace scenario, it’s possible both stay on to pick up the minor placings.
Picks: 6-5-1
Race 8: (6) BELLA GIANNA towers over this field from a class and speed figure standpoint and should romp home as an odds-on favorite. (9) OLD LINE MAGIC has put in three good efforts from four career starts and should find this field more to her liking after trying tougher last time out. (5) AFRANDI is best of the rest to round out a very formful trifecta. She has finished second in five straight outings against similar.
Picks: 6-9-5
