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Charles Town presents an excellent eight-race card this Thursday evening with first post at 7:00 PM ET, featuring a solid mix of claiming and allowance contests across various distances and conditions.
Race Day Overview
Weather conditions are favorable for Thursday evening’s racing at Charles Town with mostly cloudy skies and temperatures around 59°F with winds from the west at 14 mph. The track is listed as fast, which should provide consistent racing conditions throughout the evening program. Charles Town’s six-furlong oval typically favors horses with tactical speed who can secure favorable position, particularly in the shorter sprint races.
Race 1 – $18,200 Claiming (7 Furlongs)
This claiming race for fillies and mares features a competitive field of eight runners at the $10,000 level.
Key Contenders: Mitole Candy (8) brings solid experience under Denis Vicente Araujo and represents trainer Marshall Campbell. The four-year-old filly should appreciate stretching out to seven furlongs and carries 120 pounds with her tactical speed style. Look Ahead (5) with Moises Santaella aboard presents value given the apprentice’s recent strong form with three wins last week and positive statistics.
Secondary Choices: Yes to Love (1) under Chilo Maximo represents trainer Lucas Anthony and brings class to this level. Beaches and Pearls (7) with Anthony Mawing shows consistency at this claiming level.
Pace Analysis: The pace should be moderate with several horses capable of pressing early. The seven-furlong distance allows for tactical racing development.
Wagering Angles: Mitole Candy appears the logical win choice while Look Ahead offers exacta value with the hot apprentice Santaella.
Race 2 – $14,100 Claiming (1 1/16 Miles)
This route race for fillies and mares at the $5,000 claiming level features six runners competing over the distance.
Key Contenders: Amorica (6) with Jose Mauricio represents trainer Jesus Rodriguez and should handle the routing distance effectively. Chase by the Moon (4) under Victor Rodriguez brings solid connections with the veteran jockey showing positive statistics (7.68 added wins).
Secondary Choices: Titian Tyrant (2) with Sunday Diaz Jr. shows recent activity and trainer Ollie Figgins has multiple starters in the race. Can I Get Awitness (3) with Moises Santaella continues the apprentice’s active schedule.
Pace Analysis: The longer distance should create a more evenly run race with tactical positioning becoming crucial in the stretch.
Wagering Angles: Chase by the Moon presents value with Rodriguez’s solid statistics, while Amorica offers win potential at likely favorable odds.
Race 3 – $31,600 Maiden Special Weight (1 1/16 Miles)
This maiden special weight contest represents the highest-quality race on tonight’s Charles Town card, featuring seven runners competing over the route distance of 1 1/16 miles for a substantial $31,600 purse.
Key Contenders
Task Force (3) – J.D. Acosta – Anthony Farrior
This three-year-old Violence gelding represents the evening’s strongest trainer angle with Anthony Farrior, who leads all Charles Town conditioners with 109 wins from 418 starts and an impressive 26.08% strike rate. Farrior’s dominance at the track makes any of his runners serious contenders, and Task Force carries the additional appeal of being a well-bred son of Violence from the mare Capria (by Curlin). The combination of elite trainer statistics and solid breeding suggests this colt has been developing properly for his maiden breakthrough.
Zaptastic (1) – Justin M. Lewis – Linda Dollinger-Stehr
The four-year-old gelding brings experience to this maiden field, having competed previously at Charles Town in maiden special weight company where he finished seventh at 33/1 odds in January 2025. While his form suggests he has been competitive without winning, the older horse carries 124 pounds compared to the three-year-olds at 118 pounds, which could prove disadvantageous over the demanding route distance. However, trainer Linda Dollinger-Stehr maintains solid credentials at the track with seven wins from 99 starts.
Secondary Choices
Ragtime Scribble (5) – Moises Santaella – Jeff C. Runco
This three-year-old represents trainer Jeff Runco, who ranks third among Charles Town trainers with an excellent 27.15% win rate and positive 15.77 added wins from 291 starts. The trainer’s strong statistics combined with apprentice jockey Moises Santaella’s five-pound weight allowance (carrying only 113 pounds) creates an intriguing betting proposition. Santaella has shown excellent recent form, tying for the weekly lead with three wins last week.
Daguerre (2) – Luis Angel Batista – Timothy Shanley
This three-year-old has been active at Charles Town, making 10 career attempts to break maiden status. His most recent effort on September 20, 2025, showed some improvement in a maiden claiming contest where his form line reads 864232, suggesting gradual development. Trainer Timothy Shanley maintains a 10.05% win rate from 219 starts, which while modest, shows recent positive trends with 20% wins and 52% in-the-money percentage.
Longshot Considerations
Pico Plat (6) – Jeiron Barbosa – Anthony Farrior
Farrior’s second runner in the race deserves respect based solely on the trainer’s exceptional statistics. While less information is available on this three-year-old, having the leading trainer with two chances in a seven-horse field significantly increases the likelihood of Farrior training the winner.
Scar Nose (7) – John Hiraldo – Timothy Shanley
Shanley’s second entry brings additional tactical options and previous Charles Town experience. The form line showing 3-35334 indicates some competitive efforts, and having two runners from the same barn in a small field could create pace and tactical advantages.
Pace Analysis
The 1 1/16-mile distance over Charles Town’s six-furlong oval requires tactical positioning and sustained effort. With seven runners, the pace should develop naturally without excessive early pressure. The route distance favors horses with stamina and tactical speed who can position effectively around the turn and maintain their kick through the stretch. Task Force and Ragtime Scribble appear best positioned to handle the tactical demands of the distance.
Key Angles to Consider
Trainer Dominance: Anthony Farrior’s exceptional 26.08% win rate and league-leading 109 victories make his runners automatic considerations. Having two chances in Task Force and Pico Plat significantly improves the probability of capturing this race.
Weight Advantage: Ragtime Scribble’s 113-pound impost with apprentice Santaella provides a significant advantage over the field, particularly in a route race where weight can become more impactful.
Route Debut: Several runners may be stretching out to the 1 1/16-mile distance for the first time, creating additional uncertainty in handicapping evaluation.
Wagering Angles and Selections
Win Selection: Task Force represents the strongest single betting interest based on Farrior’s dominant trainer statistics and the colt’s solid breeding background.
Value Play: Ragtime Scribble offers excellent exacta and trifecta value with Runco’s strong 27.15% win rate and Santaella’s weight advantage.
Exotic Coverage: Using Farrior’s two runners (Task Force and Pico Plat) in combination with Ragtime Scribble provides solid trifecta coverage at reasonable cost.
Suggested Betting Strategy:
- Win: Task Force
- Exacta: Task Force over Ragtime Scribble, Daguerre
- Trifecta: Task Force, Pico Plat / Task Force, Ragtime Scribble, Daguerre / ALL
The combination of Farrior’s exceptional trainer statistics with Task Force’s breeding and Runco’s solid credentials with Ragtime Scribble creates the foundation for a competitive maiden special weight analysis.
Race 4 – $12,400 Claiming (4 1/2 Furlongs)
This sprint claiming race for fillies and mares at the $5,000 level features seven runners in a competitive sprint.
Key Contenders: Queen of Soul (5) with Justin Lewis represents trainer Scott Lane and should appreciate the sprint distance. His Choice (1) under Victor Rodriguez brings the leading rider’s positive statistics to this competitive level.
Secondary Choices: Buckskin Suzie (3) with Kelvin Cruz shows promise for trainer Tyler Shanley. Lovely Lucy (4) under Javier Rivera presents different tactical approaches.
Pace Analysis: The short distance demands early speed and tactical positioning from the gate.
Wagering Angles: His Choice presents solid value with Rodriguez aboard, while Queen of Soul offers upset potential in a competitive field.
Race 5 – $15,100 Maiden Claiming (4 1/2 Furlongs)
This West Virginia-bred maiden claiming sprint features eight runners at the $7,500 level.
Key Contenders: Mister Grinch (2) with Victor Rodriguez represents trainer Tabitha Wilhelm and brings the leading rider’s expertise. Juba’s Taj (4) under Justin Lewis represents the solid Dollinger-Stehr barn.
Secondary Choices: Intention to Zip (3) with Chilo Maximo shows potential for trainer Joseph Stehr. A Reason to Party (6) under Sunday Diaz Jr. brings different tactical options.
Pace Analysis: The sprint distance and maiden claiming level should produce contested early fractions.
Wagering Angles: Mister Grinch offers excellent value with Rodriguez’s strong statistics, while Juba’s Taj provides alternative win potential.
Race 6 – $31,700 Allowance (7 Furlongs)
This West Virginia-bred allowance contest represents the second-highest purse on the evening’s card at $31,700, featuring seven runners competing at seven furlongs on the dirt. The race is restricted to accredited West Virginia-bred three-year-olds and upward that have never won two races, with weight allowances available for recent form.
Key Contenders
Fiber Proof (1) – Arnaldo Bocachica – Stacey R. Viands
This three-year-old gelding draws the rail with Charles Town’s dominant jockey Arnaldo Bocachica, who leads all riders with 166 wins and an exceptional 15.41 added wins statistic, nearly double his nearest competitor. Bocachica’s 34.16% win rate and 24.69% percentage of purse earned represent the strongest jockey angle on the card. The veteran rider recently achieved his 3,000th career victory and has been particularly effective at Charles Town since beginning his career there in 2006. Trainer Stacey Viands brings solid credentials to this West Virginia-bred allowance level.
Swift Waters (2) – Javier Rivera – Lenworth G. Kirlew
This three-year-old chestnut colt by Saratoga Syndicate out of Work Wife has shown consistent form at Charles Town, including a recent second-place effort in a maiden special weight on September 20, 2025. The colt carries an official rating of 72 and has demonstrated improvement in his form line reading 225332, suggesting steady development under trainer Lenworth Kirlew. Rivera brings solid experience despite modest statistics compared to the leading riders, and the combination should handle the seven-furlong distance effectively.
Candy Man Martin (5) – Juan Belisario – Ronney W. Brown
This three-year-old represents trainer Ronney Brown, who ranks second among Charles Town trainers with 84 wins from the meet, though his statistics show some recent struggles with only a 12% win rate overall. However, Brown’s extensive experience with 794 career victories and $12.2 million in earnings demonstrates his ability to develop horses over time. Candy Man Martin has been active at Charles Town throughout 2025, including recent efforts that show gradual improvement in claiming and allowance company. The gelding benefits from a significant weight advantage at 111 pounds with Belisario’s apprentice allowance.
Secondary Choices
Mexicali Mike (7) – Moises Santaella – Jeff C. Runco
This three-year-old colt represents trainer Jeff Runco, who ranks third among Charles Town trainers with 79 wins but leads all conditioners in added wins with 15.77, indicating consistent outperformance of betting odds. Mexicali Mike scored his most significant victory on July 13, 2025, at Charles Town with Arnaldo Bocachica aboard, demonstrating his ability to win at this level. The switch to apprentice Moises Santaella provides a substantial weight advantage at 113 pounds, and Santaella has shown excellent recent form with three wins in the previous week. Runco’s 27.15% win rate makes this combination particularly attractive at likely favorable odds.
Grandpa Joe (3) – Sunday Diaz Jr. – M. Joanna Boggs
This four-year-old gelding brings experience and maturity to the field under veteran jockey Sunday Diaz Jr., who has 36 wins at the current meet. While trainer M. Joanna Boggs shows more modest statistics, the gelding should appreciate the seven-furlong distance and brings different tactical options to the race.
Longer Shots
Candy Man Can (4) – Alexis X. Batista – Angelo G. Jackson
This four-year-old has managed one career victory, scoring at Charles Town on April 6, 2024, with Christian Hiraldo aboard. Trainer Angelo Jackson handles multiple starters in tonight’s card, including Barsoom in this same race, which could create tactical advantages. The gelding has shown some consistency in allowance company but faces stiff competition tonight.
Barsoom (6) – Angel Cruz – Angelo G. Jackson
Jackson’s second runner brings tactical speed under Angel Cruz, who ranks fourth among Charles Town jockeys with 50 wins and 6.43 added wins. The three-year-old carries 122 pounds but benefits from Cruz’s aggressive riding style that suits Charles Town’s speed-favoring surface.
Pace Analysis
The seven-furlong distance should produce moderate early fractions with several horses possessing tactical speed. Swift Waters and Barsoom appear most likely to press the early pace, while Fiber Proof with Bocachica can utilize the rail to save ground and position tactically. The allowance level suggests honest fractions throughout, with the winner likely emerging from horses able to sustain their effort through the final furlong.
Key Angles to Consider
Jockey Dominance: Bocachica’s overwhelming statistical advantage at Charles Town (15.41 added wins versus 7.68 for his nearest competitor) makes Fiber Proof the automatic pace-setter in any handicapping analysis.
Trainer Value: Runco’s league-leading 15.77 added wins with Mexicali Mike creates the strongest value angle in the race, particularly with Santaella’s weight advantage.
Weight Advantages: Both Candy Man Martin (111 pounds) and Mexicali Mike (113 pounds) benefit from significant weight allowances compared to their competitors carrying 120-124 pounds.
West Virginia-Bred Familiarity: Several runners have extensive experience in state-bred company at Charles Town, providing form advantages over horses less familiar with the surface and competition level.
Wagering Angles and Selections
Win Selection: Fiber Proof represents the strongest single betting interest based on Bocachica’s dominant statistics and tactical rail advantage.
Value Play: Mexicali Mike offers excellent value with Runco’s outstanding added wins statistic combined with Santaella’s hot form and weight advantage.
Exacta Coverage: Fiber Proof over Swift Waters and Mexicali Mike provides solid coverage of the most likely scenarios.
Suggested Betting Strategy:
- Win: Fiber Proof
- Exacta: Fiber Proof over Mexicali Mike, Swift Waters, Candy Man Martin
- Trifecta: Fiber Proof / Mexicali Mike, Swift Waters / ALL
The combination of Bocachica’s overwhelming jockey statistics with Runco’s exceptional value angles creates multiple profitable betting opportunities in this competitive West Virginia-bred allowance race.
Race 7 – $34,000 Allowance (7 Furlongs)
This West Virginia-bred allowance contest features the card’s highest purse at $34,000, showcasing seven runners competing over seven furlongs for horses that have never won four races. The race attracts quality state-bred runners with significant weight allowances available for recent form, creating multiple betting angles.
Key Contenders
Caffeinennicotine (3) – Alexis Rios-Conde Jr. – Elizabeth E. Meehan
This four-year-old gelding represents owner-trainer Elizabeth Meehan, a veteran conditioner with 794 career victories and over $12.2 million in earnings. Meehan maintains a solid 13% win rate from 24 starts in 2025 and has demonstrated particular effectiveness with her own horses. Caffeinennicotine has been active at Charles Town throughout 2025, including allowance efforts on July 19 and August 16 where he showed competitive form at this level. The gelding carries top weight of 124 pounds but benefits from Meehan’s intimate knowledge as both owner and trainer, creating a strong foundation for success.
Mr. Dumbledore (4) – Larry C. Reynolds – Timothy C. Grams
This combination represents perhaps the strongest angle on tonight’s card with the veteran jockey Larry Reynolds aboard for trainer Timothy Grams. Reynolds, who retired in 2013 after recording over 3,300 career victories, returned to riding in 2023 and has shown exceptional form with 16 wins from 55 starts (29.1% win rate). The Reynolds-Grams partnership has been particularly effective, with Reynolds serving as Grams’ “go-to rider”. Mr. Dumbledore has shown consistent form throughout 2024, including victories on June 30, 2024, and November 25, 2023, both at Charles Town with Reynolds aboard. The four-year-old carries 120 pounds and benefits from a four-pound weight allowance, making this combination particularly attractive.
Secondary Choices
This Juice B Loose (2) – Chilo Maximo – Lucas Anthony
This three-year-old gelding has shown impressive development with $118,920 in career earnings and trainer Anthony Lucas maintaining solid credentials with 104 wins from 844 starts (12.3% win rate). The gelding has demonstrated “a lot of class” according to racing connections and should appreciate the seven-furlong distance. At 122 pounds, This Juice B Loose receives a two-pound advantage over the older horses and brings tactical speed under Chilo Maximo.
Bad Lineage (1) – Juan Belisario – Lawrence E. Perry Jr.
This five-year-old gelding achieved his most recent victory on November 10, 2024, at Charles Town under Fredy Peltroche at 9/4 odds, demonstrating his ability to win at this level. The gelding benefits from a significant weight advantage at 113 pounds with apprentice jockey Juan Belisario, who has shown solid recent form with multiple winners. Bad Lineage’s recent form shows 854853, indicating some inconsistency but potential for improvement given the weight relief.
Longer Shots
Rum N Coke (5) – Grant Whitacre – Elizabeth E. Meehan
Meehan’s second runner brings tactical options with Grant Whitacre, who has recorded 11 wins from 66 starts (16.7% win rate) in 2025. The three-year-old colt carries 122 pounds and could benefit from pace dynamics with stablemate Caffeinennicotine potentially setting up the race.
Direct Appeal (6) – Alexis X. Batista – Frederick Clatterbuck
This three-year-old gelding brings different tactical options and carries 120 pounds in his allowance debut. Trainer Frederick Clatterbuck seeks his first success at the current Charles Town meet.
Big Joe B (7) – Denis Vicente Araujo – Michael G. Atkins
This four-year-old represents trainer Michael Atkins with 13 wins at the current meet and benefits from jockey Denis Vicente Araujo’s aggressive riding style.
Pace Analysis
The seven-furlong distance should produce moderate early fractions with This Juice B Loose and possibly Caffeinennicotine expected to show early speed. Mr. Dumbledore’s tactical versatility allows Reynolds to position advantageously, while Bad Lineage from the rail could save ground early and make a sustained run. The allowance level ensures honest competition throughout the race.
Key Angles to Consider
Veteran Jockey Advantage: Reynolds’ comeback story and exceptional 29.1% win rate with the Grams stable creates the race’s strongest angle. His experience and partnership with a trainer winning at a 25% clip provides significant confidence.
Weight Relief: Bad Lineage’s 11-pound advantage at 113 pounds compared to Caffeinennicotine’s 124 pounds creates substantial handicapping value, particularly over seven furlongs where weight becomes more impactful.
Trainer Familiarity: Elizabeth Meehan’s dual role as owner-trainer with both Caffeinennicotine and Rum N Coke provides intimate knowledge of both horses’ capabilities and optimal placement.
State-Bred Competition: The West Virginia-bred restriction ensures all runners have experience at this competitive level, with several having shown success previously at Charles Town.
Wagering Angles and Selections
Win Selection: Mr. Dumbledore represents the strongest single betting interest based on the Reynolds-Grams partnership’s exceptional statistics and proven success at Charles Town.
Value Play: Bad Lineage offers excellent value potential with significant weight relief and proven ability to win at this level, particularly if the pace develops favorably from the inside post.
Exacta Coverage: Mr. Dumbledore over Caffeinennicotine and Bad Lineage provides solid coverage of the most probable scenarios.
Suggested Betting Strategy:
- Win: Mr. Dumbledore
- Exacta: Mr. Dumbledore over Bad Lineage, Caffeinennicotine, This Juice B Loose
- Trifecta: Mr. Dumbledore / Bad Lineage, Caffeinennicotine / ALL
The combination of Reynolds’ remarkable comeback statistics with Grams’ training prowess creates the foundation for the evening’s most confident selection, while Bad Lineage’s weight advantage provides excellent value coverage in exotic wagers.
Race 8 – $14,600 Claiming (4 1/2 Furlongs)
This competitive sprint claiming race for older horses features ten runners.
Key Contenders: Missionsninetynine (5) with Victor Rodriguez brings the leading rider’s positive statistics to this competitive level. Drew d’Oro (2) under Moises Santaella continues the apprentice’s active schedule with trainer Ronney Brown, who ranks second among leading trainers with 84 wins.
Secondary Choices: Cajun Joe (3) with Sunday Diaz Jr. shows consistency. Claw (6) under Juan Belisario presents value options.
Longer Shots: Minella (1) with Victor Lara could provide surprise value in the large field.
Pace Analysis: The large field and sprint distance should produce contested early fractions.
Wagering Angles: Missionsninetynine offers excellent win potential with Rodriguez’s strong statistics, while Drew d’Oro provides value with the hot apprentice and leading trainer.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Victor Rodriguez leads tonight’s card with four mounts and brings excellent statistics including 7.68 added wins, indicating consistent outperformance of expectations. His aggressive riding style suits Charles Town’s speed-favoring surface perfectly.
Moises Santaella continues his hot streak with four mounts after tying for the weekly lead with three winners last week. The five-pound apprentice allowance provides significant advantages, particularly in competitive claiming races.
Juan Belisario brings steady experience with three mounts and shows solid recent form. Justin Lewis provides consistent professional riding across three different trainers tonight.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Anthony Farrior dominates Charles Town statistics with 109 wins and represents the evening’s most significant angle with Task Force in Race 3. His 23.58% strike rate significantly exceeds track averages.
Ronney Brown ranks second among leading trainers with 84 wins and brings solid credentials with Drew d’Oro in the finale. Timothy Shanley handles multiple starters and shows consistent placement.
Lucas Anthony represents value connections with two starters, while trainer Jesus Rodriguez brings quality with Amorica in the second race.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Win Bets: Focus on Mitole Candy (Race 1), Task Force (Race 3), and Missionsninetynine (Race 8) with leading connections.
Exacta Values: Look Ahead over Mitole Candy (Race 1), Chase by the Moon over Amorica (Race 2), and Drew d’Oro over Missionsninetynine (Race 8).
Trifecta Opportunities: Race 8 presents the best trifecta value with ten runners and competitive claiming conditions.
Pick 3/4 Strategies: Key Task Force in Race 3 due to Farrior’s dominant statistics, then spread in surrounding races for maximum coverage.
