Edison Hatter — Twitter: @Edison_1999_
Most Likely Winner: Race 3- (2) DOOR BUSTER
Race 1: (5) BECOMING SMITTY had the lead late before getting caught against MSW company last time out and lost by just a nose last time against foes of this level. 0-for-14 is a concern, but he should finally break the maiden tonight. (3) GENESIS G G was a disappointing third last time out at the level and distance as he came up very one-paced in the stretch. Nonetheless, has speed figures that will probably get this across the line in second on class alone. (2) MARLEESBEEBEE has early speed and, outside the two favorites, the others in this field don’t seem to like passing horses in the stretch, this one may just hold on for a piece at a price.
Picks: 5-3-2
Race 2: (5) PROTA was an impressive winner last time out by open lengths and the distant second-place finisher in the race was a nice next-out winner as well. He will likely be the pace setter in this event and will look to wire this field. Since returning from a lengthy layoff four starts back, (2) MARTIN MAN has steadily improved each time out. An effort similar to his last two would make him very competitive against this bunch. (6) BRIBERY has been inconsistent in the speed figure department, but clearly has been racing against much tougher than this field. Should appreciate the class relief tonight.
Picks: 5-2-6
Race 3: ***Special Note: It is my opinion that the morning line was transposed incorrectly, as I believe the (2) was meant to be 6-5 and the (3) was meant to be 15-1.***
(2) DOOR BUSTER has simply been taking on much tougher competition at Laurel Park and should win with ease against this bunch based on recent speed figures. (1) CEDARS BULLS EYE passed tired horses last time to finish a distant second, but the speed figure came back solid. Will have to work out a trip from the rail, but this could be part of the finishing mix again this time. (6) TIZBIT is best of the rest but will have to contend with an outside post again. Last time out, this one was very wide on all turns, losing significant ground.
Picks: 2-1-6
Race 4: No need to get creative here; (6) PEPPA STARR appears to be the early controlling speed again and will try to take them all the way again. (1) TALENT EXPECTED will try to go with this one early again but may end up chasing her the whole way home again while finishing second-best. (3) BOUNDTOBEOK faces winners for the first time, but has made nice progress in recent races. Figures to be right in the mix if she can take another step forward here.
Picks: 6-1-3
Race 5: (9) SHORTLISTER has early speed and will try to cross over from the wide before the first turn. He has experience over the Charles Town track and is taking a drop in class. (7) SON OF GA GA is making a major drop in class from previous starts. He didn’t seem to like the tapeta last time out at Turfway. If he takes to the Charles Town oval, he will be tough to beat, but I take a stand against him here as he’ll likely be an odds-on favorite. (4) KEVINS CHOICE enters the Anthony Farrior barn, which is hitting at 25% with first-time starters for the stable. However, speed figures aren’t superb with this one, nor does he have any experience over the Charles Town oval.
Picks: 9-7-4
Race 6: (5) SOPHIE RULES has good early speed, as well as competitive speed figures for this bunch. She does prefer to be on the lead, though, and it is not impossible to figure that she could be forced to back off if the early pace battle is too hot. (1) NANCYSAIDSO is a second place specialist at the distance, finishing second four times from eight starts at the distance. Can forgive the last effort as she was extremely wide around the turn. Could provide a nice exacta and/or trifecta return if she can hit the board. (10) CAT LAK put in a strong effort last time out against similar, but does get the far outside gate today. Will have to work out a trip and try to avoid losing too much ground on the far turn.
Picks: 5-1-10
Race 7: (5) MY FRIENDS BEER should get a trip just off the early pace. Rider Wesley Ho piloted him to an impressive six length score in his only other career start at Charles Town. He seems to like the two-turn 7 furlong distance and will be the one to beat here. (4) FINAL SAY is coming off of his best speed figure in quite a while and will look to keep it going here. He is 2-for-2 at the distance lifetime, but will need to take another step forward to pose a threat to MY FRIENDS BEER. (3) TRIFOR GOLD was sharp in victory off the layoff last time out. He makes his first career start at Charles Town tonight and could round out the exotic wagers at a nice price.
Picks: 5-4-3
Race 8: (3) YOU MADE IT was a winner against similar two starts ago, albeit at the 4.5 furlong distance. She has won at this distance before though and is a consistent performer in the speed figure department. Could provide nice value on top if allowed to go off at or above the 5-1 morning line quote. (1) BOOM BOOM GONE has been putting up speed figures that are competitive with this group and she has hit the board in 3-of-4 tries at Charles Town. (5) PARCHED GHOST has put in two nice efforts at Laurel Park recently and does have a win over the Timonium track, showing she doesn’t mind the bull ring track setup. She’s in good form at the moment and will look to keep rolling tonight.
Picks: 3-1-5
