Edison Hatter — Twitter: @Edison_1999_
Most Likely Winner: Race 8- (6) BELLA GIANNA
Race 1: (3) FRIENDLY FAIRBANKS had a good debut for the Larry Reed barn last time out, just missing against bottom-level maidens. Should get a similar stalking trip just off the early leader again this time out and should be able to get it done against this group. (5) TAR HEEL PALACE set the early pace last time out before finishing a distant second to a much the best winner. She is definitely liable to improve second time off the layoff. (6) SWEET PIPER is an interesting firster that was purchased at the Keeneland November sale. Keep an eye on the tote board to see what this one’s chances are on debut.
Picks: 3-5-6
Race 2: (4) HOT N SPICY LOVE has not seen a field this soft since September, when she was dominant in victory against similar as the even money favorite over the same track and trip. Looks to be the one to beat here on paper by far. I selected (7) THE PREDICTOR third last time out when he won at 13-1 just last week. Turning around on just a week’s rest for a top conditioner, he must be given serious consideration at the distance, where he has now hit the board in 15-of-26 tries. (1) MY EMINENCE has put in two okay efforts at the distance in his past two races and has every chance to improve again here. Also appears to like the distance, finishing in the money in 9-of-14 attempts.
Picks: 4-7-1
Race 3: (5) MY TIME IN COURT won against allowance foes last time out with a nice stalking trip. Should get a similar trip in here and John McKee has an ROI of $3.66 with horses off the layoff. (3) IMPETUOUS blistered through an opening quarter in 21.4 last time out at this distance. Figures to get the lead again, but will receive pace pressure from some long shots with speed. Could be weakened up from an early pace battle. (2) DR. RUSTY RAYMOND is coming off a career-best speed figure and a similar effort here would put him right in the mix.
Picks: 5-3-2
Race 4: (6) MISS GRANDSTANDER faces the softest field she has seen since breaking the maiden. She has put in respectable efforts against allowance foes and was live on the tote board in all efforts. Will definitely appreciate the class relief tonight and could get back to the winner’s circle. (5) ADDY’S LOVE takes a drop in class and stretches out to 6.5 furlongs for the first time. She figures to be the early pacesetter. (4) CHEESE LOUIE finally broke the maiden last time out and takes on winners for the first time. She has a career record now of 13-1-2-7; she is liable to pick up a piece in here.
Picks: 6-5-4
Race 5: (6) FULLMOON BAY gets the nod here in a wide-open bottom-level maiden event. Trained by top trainer Jeff Runco, ridden by leading rider Arnaldo Bocachica, and faces the lowest level of competition so far in her career. (5) CARROT CAKE is an 0-for-15 maiden trying the lowest level of competition and the shortest distance of her career. Could win and definitely should catch a piece based on experience alone but be weary of this one if a short-priced favorite. (2) HURRICANE DIRECTOR has had some tough, wide trips of late at this 4.5 furlong distance. May be destined for a tough trip again tonight, either vying for the early lead or boxed in behind the leaders. Still could catch a piece if allowed to shake free late.
Picks: 6-5-2
Race 6: (7) TECHNIQUE ONLY is coming off a wire-to-wire win against similar foes last time out and will look to replicate that trip in here. Doesn’t appear to be much other speed to challenge this one early, which should work in her favor. (5) YOU CANT CATCH HER was second to TECHNIQUE ONLY last time out in her Charles Town debut. Must like last time, may not be able to catch TECHNIQUE ONLY, but should be best of the rest. (1) DIAL EMMA REILLY broke the maiden in her first try at Charles Town last time out and will look to follow it up with a respectable effort against winners for the first time.
Picks: 7-5-1
Race 7: (5) DAY THE MUSIC DIED showed the ability to win from off the pace last time out over this trip in his Charles Town debut. Will look for back-to-back wins here and should receive a similar trip this time. Has enough early speed to stay in touch with the early leaders and should kick clear of them late. (4) PHONEMYPOSSEAGAIN had been in solid form for Kevin Patterson since the reclaim. In his career, he’s won 10-of-20 at Charles Town and 16-of-29 at the distance. Against him tonight though is the serious pace scrum he will get into. He will likely prove to be the speed of the speed, but will pay a stiff price for the early lead. (3) CASTLE FIVE will also be part of the early pace, but seems to have enough class to hold on for a piece.
Picks: 5-4-3
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) URKILLINGMEBETH scored a win in her first start for the David Walters barn. She could spice up the exotic payouts if she can take a step forward in her first try against winners. (10) ZIPPY JO has ran two poor efforts recently, but comes back to Charles Town, which appears to be her preferred track. Could catch a piece in here with the right trip.
Picks: 6-9-10
