Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Charles Town Races – Racing News and Analysis for April 23, 2026


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Pick Pony Handicapper Report — Charles Town Races, April 23, 2026

Charles Town runs a nine-race Thursday evening card on a fast dirt oval with a strong inside-speed bias, particularly in the six sprint races at 990 furlongs. Ronney W. Brown and the Shanley family dominate the entries, and Nomar Arroyo Bueno is the rider to follow whenever he appears at odds above 4-1.

Race 1 — 990f | Maiden $5,000 Claiming

Palpitations (6) is the deserving favorite with the meet's top connections, though the wide post is a mild concern. Fifth Of June (1) has the rail advantage and makes a natural exacta partner. Galibean (7) is the third choice and a pace factor worth including in trifectas.

Race 2 — 1430f | $5,000 Claiming (F&M)

Rare Ruby (3) is the primary selection from a prime inside-middle post in the route. Golden Girl Lena (4) is the value angle with Arroyo Bueno in the irons at 6-1 — a potential overlay worth a win bet if odds drift higher. Flat Discount (7) rounds out the trifecta.

Race 3 — 990f | Maiden Special Weight

Paul's Legacy (3) is the top choice from an ideal stalking post with the card's dominant trainer. Gallant Creek (2) is the legitimate alternative with a nearly identical post advantage. Feisty Notion (5) and Zaptastic (6) are both live at 4-1 if the inside speed gets into a duel.

Race 4 — 990f | $5,000 Claiming

Head Of The Class (2) is the top pick from a perfect inside post in the sprint. Maximillions Dream (7) is the co-favorite to use underneath despite the wide draw. Imperial King (1) at 6-1 offers rail value that the morning line may underestimate.

Race 5 — 990f | $5,000 Claiming (F&M, n2l)

Genecho (7) is the heavy favorite and must anchor all exotic tickets despite minimal win value. Spatula (8) at 3-1 is the primary upset candidate for the Shanley-Maldonado combination. Hala Blue (1) at 8-1 with Arroyo Bueno on the rail is a live longshot well worth including in exactas underneath.

Race 6 — 1540f | Optional Claiming $10,000

Heaven Street (2) is the 1-1 favorite, but the best value on the card is General Issue (1) at 4-1 — Arroyo Bueno from the rail against a short-priced favorite is the night's single strongest upset play. Spurs Up (4) is a workable show selection, and Wiley Willard (3) deserves trifecta inclusion as the second Brown barn entry.

Race 7 — 1430f | Optional Claiming $10,000

Juba's Notion (1) is a straightforward favorite from the inside rail with an intimate trainer-jockey partnership. Icing (4) at 4-1 from a prime middle post is the top alternative. Hurricane Alert (6) at 6-1 is the Brown barn entry and the best-priced longshot worth including in all exotics.

Race 8 — 1430f | Allowance $34,100 (n2l) — Featured Race

I'm Not Catty (8) is the Brown barn favorite and the top selection despite the outside post in the featured allowance. Vex (4) at 4-1 from an ideal inside-middle post is the primary threat and best exacta partner. Go Go Jelly Roll (1) at 5-1 and Abdicate (2) at 6-1 are both legitimate trifecta inclusions.

Race 9 — 1430f | $4,000 Claiming (F&M, n2x)

Burnaway (2) is the straightforward favorite from a favorable inside post to close the card. True Blue Pearl (8) at 4-1 with Maldonado in the irons is the best exacta partner underneath. Hidewright Away (6) at 5-1 with Arroyo Bueno is a compelling live longshot consistent with the night's best value theme — use in exactas on top as a saver.

Before wagering, check the Latest Race Scratches, Changes, and Conditions post for any last-minute scratches or race changes.


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