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The Pick Pony Handicapper’s Report is published daily and provides analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts and are generally more accurate.

Charles Town presents an eight-race evening program featuring a competitive mix of maiden claiming, allowance optional claiming, maiden special weight, claiming, and allowance races. The card offers diverse wagering opportunities across multiple race types with an emphasis on West Virginia-bred stock in several races. Post time for the first race is 7:00 PM EST.​

The evening features three maiden races for two-year-old fillies, two allowance events at seven furlongs and 6 1/2 furlongs, a route claiming race at 1 1/16 miles, and an allowance optional claiming sprint. The West Virginia-bred maiden special weight in Race 3 and the WV-bred claiming event in Race 8 provide local horsemen showcase opportunities.​

The scratch watch includes several notable entries: Pico Plat and Pretty Sixxy in Race 1, Papa Linguine in Race 2, Honey I’m Broke and Kaylee’s Promise in Race 3, Blood Brother, Bossme, and Tobi Wan Kenobi in Race 4, Dip Fantasia and R Candy in Race 5, Buddy Buddy in Race 6, and Silent Roar in Race 7. Handicappers should monitor morning scratches closely as they will significantly impact wagering strategies.​

Weather and Track Conditions

Wednesday evening temperatures are expected to range from the mid-40s to low 50s with passing showers possible and mostly cloudy skies. The forecast calls for a high of approximately 67°F with a 62% chance of precipitation, though only 0.08 inches of rain is expected. The dirt track should maintain a fast rating for the evening program, providing suitable racing conditions.​

Current conditions at the Eastern WV Regional Airport show fair weather with temperatures in the upper 30s and humidity around 79%. A Dense Fog Advisory was in effect early Wednesday morning until 8:00 AM, but conditions should improve significantly by post time. The conventional dirt surface typically favors speed horses on fast tracks, particularly in the abbreviated 4 1/2 furlong sprints that dominate this card.​

The track configuration at Charles Town features a six-furlong bullring with tight turns that places a premium on early speed, especially in sprint races at 4 1/2 and 6 1/2 furlongs. Historical statistics confirm that frontrunners win approximately 57% of races at the abbreviated 4 1/2 furlong distance, establishing early positioning as critical for success. Inside posts one through three typically provide maximum ground-saving advantages while enabling horses to establish ideal tactical positioning from the gate.​

In route races at 1 1/16 miles, the inside stalls produce the highest number of winners with post two yielding 18.6% of winners and the rail position accounting for 17.6% of all winning horses. Post five has shown a relatively poor return of just over 10% in routes. When the track rides fast, closers face significant challenges as frontrunners gain sufficient leverage to maintain wire-to-wire control.​

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Race 1 – Maiden Claiming, 7 Furlongs Dirt, $19,100 Purse

Post Time: 7:00 PM EST

This maiden claiming event for three, four, five, and six-year-olds at a $12,500 claiming price features seven entrants going seven furlongs on the dirt. The field includes several horses with significant experience who have yet to break their maiden, presenting a puzzle for handicappers to solve.

Pace Analysis

The early pace scenario projects as moderately contested with Joel’s Boy showing the quickest early foot among the starters. This four-year-old gelding demonstrates the fastest stalking style in the field and should be forward from post two. Scar Nose also displays fast stalking tendencies and draws favorably inside. Pretty Sixxy and Pico Plat both show fast running styles but face scratch watch concerns. With multiple runners capable of pressing the pace, the fractions should set up for a closer with tactical positioning. Mister Chill and Monochrome both run mid-pack closing styles that could benefit from pace meltdown scenarios.​

Key Contenders

Joel’s Boy from post two enters as the likely favorite at 5/2 morning line odds. This four-year-old gelding has shown consistent form with 25 career starts producing three seconds and nine thirds, demonstrating his ability to hit the board consistently. His recent fourth-place effort in a 6 1/2 furlong sprint at Charles Town and third-place finish going four furlongs suggest he can handle varying distances. Denis Vicente Araujo takes the mount for trainer Melvin Moises Ovando, and while Araujo sports solid meet statistics with 54 wins and a 14.75% win rate, the trainer connection is less proven.​

Mille Parole from post four represents the formidable trainer Anthony Farrior with J.D. Acosta aboard at 5/1 morning line odds. This three-year-old colt made just one career start, finishing fifth in a 4 1/2 furlong sprint at Charles Town. The significant step up in distance to seven furlongs raises questions, but Farrior leads all Charles Town trainers with 119 wins at the 2025 meet and operates at an impressive 25.76% win rate. Acosta ranks among the meet’s top riders with 61 wins. First-time route attempts from the powerful Farrior barn deserve serious consideration.​

Secondary Choices

Scar Nose breaks from the rail at 9/2 morning line odds with apprentice Moises Santaella for trainer Timothy Shanley. This three-year-old gelding shows competitive recent form with a fourth at seven furlongs and sixth going 1 1/16 miles at Charles Town. The jockey sports an impressive 16.42% win rate while carrying a weight-saving apprentice allowance of five pounds (119 lbs). Shanley has 27 wins at the meet but operates at just 10.71% win rate, making this runner a place and show candidate.​

Pretty Sixxy at 15/1 morning line shows second-place finishes at the seven furlong distance here and posts with Prandy Matos for trainer Jaime Cruz. The gelding’s recent second going seven furlongs at this track demonstrates distance aptitude, though the scratch watch listing for stewards issues creates uncertainty.​

Longshots

Monochrome at 15/1 arrives from Laurel Park with mid-pack closing style under Alexis Rios-Conde, Jr. for trainer Sylvester McGill. His fourth-place finishes at 1 1/16 miles on the Laurel dirt suggest route capabilities, and the cutback to seven furlongs may sharpen his late kick. The unfamiliar jockey-trainer combination with limited Charles Town stats makes this a risky play despite tactical merit.

Mister Chill at 20/1 with Christian Maldonado for trainer James Popovich exits turf racing at Laurel Park where he ran poorly. The switch to dirt and different surface questions his viability, making him a throwout in most scenarios.

Selections

Win: Mille Parole (4)
Place: Joel’s Boy (2)
Show: Scar Nose (1)

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Race 2 – Allowance Optional Claiming, 4 1/2 Furlongs Dirt, $27,700 Purse

Post Time: 7:30 PM EST

This allowance optional claiming sprint for three-year-olds and upward at the abbreviated 4 1/2 furlong distance presents a speed-heavy field where early positioning proves critical. The $15,000 claiming price attracts horses dropping from allowance company and others ascending from claiming ranks.

Pace Analysis

This race shapes up as a contested speed duel with multiple horses showing fast leader and early running styles. Hey Boots demonstrates the fastest leader tendencies and typically fires for the early lead. Caribbean Pleasure and Imperial King also display fast leader styles, ensuring honest early fractions. Maximillions Dream adds another speed influence from post four. The contested pace scenario could favor a stalker like Priority Lane or closer like Pure Panic if the speed horses compromise each other. However, at 4 1/2 furlongs on this bullring, frontrunners win 57% of races, so speed that survives typically prevails.​

Key Contenders

Hey Boots from post six appears the horse to beat at 2/1 on the scratch-adjusted morning line. This four-year-old gelding has won nine of 25 career starts with 14 seconds and finishes in the money 68% of the time. His most recent outings show fourth and first-place finishes at this 4 1/2 furlong distance at Charles Town, demonstrating distance affinity. Leading rider Arnaldo Bocachica takes the mount for trainer Anthony Farrior, combining the meet’s top jockey (182 wins, 32.97% win rate) with the leading trainer (119 wins, 25.76%). This powerhouse combination warrants heavy consideration.​

Caribbean Pleasure from post seven at 3/1 morning line odds represents another Farrior trainee with J.D. Acosta aboard. This five-year-old gelding has won seven of 19 career starts (37% win rate) and shows exceptional consistency with 68% in-the-money finishes. His recent form includes multiple competitive efforts at 4 1/2 furlongs, and the Farrior barn double-dipping in this race suggests confidence. The outside post presents tactical challenges in a speed-heavy field on a tight bullring.​

Secondary Choices

Priority Lane from post five at 4/1 offers stalking capabilities for the Kevin Joy barn under Victor Rodriguez. This four-year-old gelding recently won going 4 1/2 furlongs at this track before tiring in a seven furlong attempt. The cutback to the sprint distance plays to his strengths, and Joy maintains a solid 16.30% win rate at the meet. Rodriguez provides reliable guidance with 48 wins and positive added win statistics.​

Imperial King from post two at 10/1 morning line brings extensive experience with 35 career starts and six wins. His recent third-place finish at this distance and his fast leader style suit the short sprint distance. Trainer Manolo Mangual operates at 16.88% win rate with solid consistency.​

Longshots

Pure Panic from the rail at 6/1 offers closing punch from the Kevin Joy barn under apprentice Juan Belisario. This six-year-old gelding carries significant back class with earnings of $556,590 but has struggled in recent outings at longer distances. The cutback to 4 1/2 furlongs could reinvigorate his form, and the five-pound apprentice weight allowance (115 lbs) provides tactical advantage. Belisario has been riding with confidence lately, winning seven of 22 recent starters.​

Maximillions Dream at 8/1 shows fast leader tendencies for trainer Kent Knudsen with Justin Lewis up. His recent form at the distance is moderate, but the inside-middle post four provides tactical advantages on the tight bullring.

Selections

Win: Hey Boots (6)
Place: Caribbean Pleasure (7)
Show: Priority Lane (5)

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Race 3 – Maiden Special Weight, 4 1/2 Furlongs Dirt, $30,600 Purse

Post Time: 7:57 PM EST

This West Virginia-bred maiden special weight for two-year-old fillies represents career debuts for several runners and second attempts for others. The full field of 11 starters creates a competitive betting puzzle with first-time starters from local connections.

Pace Analysis

The pace scenario features Lolita as the fastest leader type with early speed capabilities. Direct Diamond also shows fast leader tendencies from the outside post 11. Priority One from post three brings unknown early speed as a first-time starter for the Farrior barn. Summit Point Cat displays mid-pack leading style. The contested early pace could compromise speed horses in the stretch run, potentially favoring stalkers with tactical positioning. At 4 1/2 furlongs, however, speed typically carries and inside posts provide significant advantages.​

Key Contenders

Priority One from post three debuts for trainer Anthony Farrior with Arnaldo Bocachica aboard at even money on the scratch-adjusted morning line. First-time starters from the Farrior barn demand respect given his 25.76% win rate at the meet, and Bocachica’s 36% win rate with 152 starts this meet provides elite jockey execution. The ideal inside-middle post three positions this filly perfectly for establishing tactical control entering the tight first turn. Without published workout patterns, this represents a bet on connections.​

Lolita from post five at 5/2 morning line shows the fastest leader style in the field for trainer Javier Contreras under Juan Mauricio Nunez. Her two career starts produced a second-place finish at 4 1/2 furlongs here, demonstrating she can compete at this distance. Contreras maintains a 17% win rate at the meet, though Nunez carries negative added win statistics (-13.12), indicating he underperforms relative to odds.​

Secondary Choices

Chanterelle from post six at 5/2 represents trainer Kevin Joy with Jose Montano aboard. Her maiden start produced a second-place showing, and the Joy barn operates at 16.30% win rate with consistent runners. Montano has limited recent statistics but the barn connection provides value at the listed odds.​

Direct Diamond from post 11 at 10/1 shows fast leader tendencies for trainer Cynthia McKee under Sunday Diaz, Jr. Her debut produced a third-place finish at this distance, and McKee maintains solid 14.69% win rate statistics. The extreme outside post creates significant ground-losing concerns on this tight bullring.​

Longshots

Sola Vino at 6/1 debuts from post seven for the Peltroche family operation with Fredy Peltroche riding for trainer Vanessa Peltroche. The family connections often produce ready runners, and Vanessa Peltroche maintains a 14.50% win rate at the meet. Without racing history, this represents a pure gamble on training connections.​

Summit Point Cat from the rail at 12/1 brings apprentice Juan Belisario for trainer Ronney Brown. The powerful Brown barn (107 wins, 19.38% win rate) and Belisario’s weight allowance (115 lbs) create value. Her previous start showed a mid-pack leading style that could translate well from the advantageous rail position.​

Selections

Win: Priority One (3)
Place: Lolita (5)
Show: Chanterelle (6)

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Race 4 – Claiming, 1 1/16 Miles Dirt, $14,100 Purse

Post Time: 8:25 PM EST

This route claiming race at $5,000 for three-year-olds and upward offers eight entrants in a distance test requiring stamina. Several runners show route experience at Charles Town with competitive recent form.

Pace Analysis

The pace scenario favors speed with Goldfire and Mo Joke both showing fastest leader and fast leading styles. Sackett demonstrates fast stalking tendencies from the rail. The two main speed horses could engage early and set up mid-pack runners like Cuchulain or Blood Brother for late rallies. At 1 1/16 miles on this bullring, pace projection becomes critical as sustained speed can be maintained around the turns. The inside posts one and two historically produce the highest percentage of route winners here.​

Key Contenders

Goldfire from post seven at 3/2 scratch-adjusted morning line offers the fastest leading style for trainer Anthony Farrior under Warren Ebow III. This four-year-old gelding brings two wins from six career starts with a 33% win rate and 50% in-the-money percentage. His recent mile victory at Monmouth Park demonstrates route capabilities, though Charles Town routing requires different tactical execution. The Farrior barn connection provides strong backing despite Ebow’s limited local experience.​

Mo Joke from post eight at 3/2 morning line represents trainer Ronney Brown with apprentice Juan Belisario aboard. This four-year-old gelding shows consistent form with three wins and nine seconds from 21 starts, plus a sterling 52% in-the-money rate. His recent victory at seven furlongs here and second-place finishes at 1 1/16 miles demonstrate distance versatility. Belisario’s five-pound weight allowance (117 lbs) and recent hot streak (seven wins from 22 starters) provide tactical edge.​

Secondary Choices

Sackett from the rail at 6/1 offers fast stalking style for trainer Kevin Joy under Victor Rodriguez. This three-year-old gelding recently finished second at this distance and won his prior 1 1/16 mile attempt here. The advantageous rail position in route racing provides ground-saving benefits, and Rodriguez maintains solid statistics with 48 wins at the meet.​

Cuchulain from post three at 12/1 brings mid-pack deep running style for trainer David Walters under Jeiron Barbosa. His 23% career win rate and recent victory at this distance make him a serious contender. Walters operates at 19.15% win rate with an 18.99% purse earning percentage.​

Longshots

Bossme from post four at 10/1 shows mid-pack stalking ability for trainer Ernesto Perez with Maximo Chilo aboard. His recent victory at 1 1/16 miles demonstrates distance capabilities, though the trainer connection carries minimal statistical support. The scratch watch listing creates uncertainty.​

Blood Brother from post two at 10/1 offers mid-pack stalking style with Arnaldo Bocachica for trainer Stacey Viands. The elite jockey connection provides value, though Viands operates at just 9.64% win rate this meet. The scratch watch listing makes this an unreliable selection.​

Selections

Win: Mo Joke (8)
Place: Goldfire (7)
Show: Sackett (1)

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Race 5 – Maiden Special Weight, 4 1/2 Furlongs Dirt, $30,600 Purse

Post Time: 8:53 PM EST

This maiden special weight for two-year-old fillies at 4 1/2 furlongs presents 11 starters including multiple first-time runners from prominent local connections. The sprint distance on the tight bullring places a premium on early speed and inside positioning.

Pace Analysis

The pace appears moderately contested with Dip Fantasia showing the fastest stalking style among entered runners. Genecho demonstrates fast stalking tendencies from post five. Multiple first-time starters including Divining Moment, R Candy, Hurricane Lynn, and Flash of Light bring unknown early speed capabilities. The uncertain pace scenario could benefit experienced runners with proven tactical abilities. Inside posts should provide advantages as historical data shows posts one through three producing the highest winning percentages in Charles Town sprints.​

Key Contenders

Entitled Defense from post seven at 3/1 morning line debuted with a fourth-place finish at this distance here. Arnaldo Bocachica takes the mount for trainer Phil Schoenthal, combining the meet’s leading rider with a shipper looking for improvement on second attempt. Her debut effort produced an 18,360 dollar purse earning, suggesting competitive ability. Bocachica’s 36% win rate provides significant tactical advantages.​

Divining Moment from post four debuts at 7/2 morning line for trainer Anthony Farrior with J.D. Acosta aboard. The powerful Farrior barn and reliable Acosta combination have proven effective throughout the meet. First-time starters from Farrior demand respect, and the mid-inside post four provides excellent positioning for establishing tactical control.​

Secondary Choices

Dip Fantasia from post two at 5/2 morning line shows the fastest stalking style in the field for trainer Ollie L. Figgins III with Jose Montano riding. Her debut produced a third-place finish at this distance here, demonstrating competitive ability on first attempt. Figgins operates at 16.30% win rate with a recent 33% win rate from limited starts, suggesting the barn is in form.​

Genecho from post five at 5/1 arrives from Laurel Park for trainer Brittany Russell under Carlos Eduardo Lopez. While her Maryland form shows no victories from five starts, Russell’s 50% win rate at Charles Town from limited starts indicates sharpness. Lopez maintains the highest purse earning percentage (29.17%) among active riders.​

Longshots

R Candy and Flash of Light both debut for trainer Kevin Joy with apprentice Juan Belisario potentially named on one. These first-time starters from the Joy barn carry mystery but the trainer connection at 16.30% win rate provides some support. The scratch watch listing on R Candy creates uncertainty.​

Hurricane Lynn debuts from post nine for trainer Kristy Gazzier under Victor Rodriguez. The outside post creates significant challenges on the tight bullring, making this runner a toss despite Rodriguez’s solid statistics.

Selections

Win: Divining Moment (4)
Place: Entitled Defense (7)
Show: Dip Fantasia (2)

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Race 6 – Allowance, 6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt, $31,700 Purse

Post Time: 9:21 PM EST

This allowance event for three-year-olds and upward at 6 1/2 furlongs features a competitive field of 10 with multiple runners showing recent form at this distance. The condition allows horses that have never won other than maiden, claiming, starter, restricted, or state-bred races.

Pace Analysis

The pace scenario features Moonlit Notion as the primary early speed with fast leader running style. Nocashrefunds shows fast closer tendencies that could position him to benefit from early pace pressure. Tour Guide demonstrates fast deep running style. Direct Appeal brings the fastest deep closing kick. The presence of multiple closers suggests honest fractions if Moonlit Notion controls the pace unchallenged. At 6 1/2 furlongs, Charles Town’s track bias still favors early speed, with 39% wire-to-wire winners at this distance compared to 55% at 4 1/2 furlongs.​

Key Contenders

Moonlit Notion from post four at 5/2 scratch-adjusted morning line dominates recent form with six wins from nine career starts (67% win rate) and an impressive 100% in-the-money record. This three-year-old colt for trainer Timothy Grams under Larry C. Reynolds shows consistent improvement despite recent runner-up finishes at shorter distances. The step up from 4 1/2 furlongs to 6 1/2 furlongs raises distance questions, but his tactical speed and proven ability suggest he can handle the additional ground. Reynolds maintains solid 16.46% win rate statistics.​

Nocashrefunds from post 10 at 5/1 offers fast closing style for trainer M. Joanna Boggs under Sunday Diaz, Jr. This seven-year-old gelding has won four of 34 career starts but finished in the money an impressive 59% of the time. His recent victories at 6 1/2 and seven furlongs here demonstrate current form. The wide outside post creates tactical concerns on the tight bullring.​

Secondary Choices

Tour Guide from post five at 6/1 represents trainer Ronney Brown with apprentice Juan Belisario. This four-year-old colt has won five of 13 career starts (38% win rate) with 77% in-the-money finishes. His recent second at 1 1/16 miles and third at 6 1/2 furlongs show competitive form. The five-pound weight allowance (115 lbs) provides meaningful advantage at this level.​

Mon Gateau from post seven at 8/1 offers fast stalking ability for trainer Ronney Brown under Moises Santaella. The Brown barn double entry (with Tour Guide) suggests confidence. This four-year-old gelding has won seven times from 30 starts with consistent form including a recent victory at seven furlongs here.​

Longshots

Dance for Green from post eight at 8/1 brings mid-pack stalking style for trainer David Walters under J.D. Acosta. This four-year-old gelding has earned $506,770 in career earnings, demonstrating significant back class. Walters maintains an 18.99% purse earning percentage among trainers.​

Direct Appeal from post three at 7/2 morning line shows the fastest deep closing style for trainer Frederick Clatterbuck under Justin Lewis. His extensive experience with 258,659 dollars in career earnings suggests class, though the trainer connection lacks current statistics.​

Selections

Win: Moonlit Notion (4)
Place: Tour Guide (5)
Show: Nocashrefunds (10)

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Race 7 – Allowance, 7 Furlongs Dirt, $32,800 Purse

Post Time: 9:49 PM EST

This allowance event for three-year-olds and upward at seven furlongs presents eight entrants with varying running styles and proven form at this distance. The condition favors horses that have never won three races.

Pace Analysis

The pace structure favors Im the Director with the fastest leader style in the field. Dorado demonstrates fast stalking ability from post two. Guardian Prince shows slower leader tendencies. In the Chase brings mid-pack leading capabilities. The presence of established speed should produce honest fractions, potentially setting up Late in the Game or In the Chase for closing rallies. At seven furlongs, early speed maintains significance but closers have improved chances compared to shorter sprints.​

Key Contenders

Dorado from post two at 3/2 scratch-adjusted morning line brings proven form with six wins from 21 career starts (29% win rate) and 67% in-the-money finishes. This four-year-old colt for trainer Javier Contreras under Wesley Ho shows consistent recent form with a victory and multiple placing finishes at seven furlongs here. The ideal inside post two provides tactical advantages for establishing position entering the first turn.​

Im the Director from post six at 5/2 demonstrates the fastest leader running style for trainer Cynthia McKee under Reshawn Latchman. This three-year-old gelding has won an impressive seven of 16 career starts (44% win rate) with 69% in-the-money consistency. His recent form includes a victory at 6 1/2 furlongs here. Latchman maintains solid 18.49% win rate statistics with positive added win numbers.​

Secondary Choices

Guardian Prince from post three at 5/1 offers slower leader style for trainer Anthony Farrior with Arnaldo Bocachica aboard. The elite jockey-trainer combination (40% and 27% win rates respectively) provides significant edge. His recent second at 4 1/2 furlongs and victory at six furlongs at Penn National demonstrate current form.​

Lord of Cork from post seven at 6/1 brings slower stalking ability for trainer Ronald Sigler under Denis Vicente Araujo. This five-year-old gelding has five wins from 38 career starts with 47% in-the-money finishes. His recent form at longer distances suggests the seven furlong cutback could reinvigorate his speed.​

Longshots

In the Chase from post five at 8/1 shows mid-pack leading style for trainer Michael Jones, Jr. under J.D. Acosta. This three-year-old colt has earned $484,246 in career earnings despite limited victories, demonstrating significant back class. His recent competitive efforts at 6 1/2 furlongs suggest improving form.​

Late in the Game from post eight at 15/1 offers fast deep closing abilities for trainer Ronald Sigler under Gustavo Larrosa. This six-year-old gelding has amassed $571,252 in career earnings with seven victories from 37 starts. His route background and cutback to seven furlongs could produce closing fireworks.​

Selections

Win: Dorado (2)
Place: Im the Director (6)
Show: Guardian Prince (3)

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Race 8 – Claiming, 6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt, $19,300 Purse

Post Time: 10:17 PM EST

This West Virginia-bred claiming event at $10,000 for three-year-olds and upward offers 10 entrants in a sprint test featuring local stock. The state-bred restriction limits the field to horses bred in West Virginia.

Pace Analysis

The pace structure shows Toodleswasmyname with the fastest stalking style. Jack’s Aloha demonstrates mid-pack stalking ability. Grandpa Joe and Candy Man Martin both display fast stalking tendencies. Fungo Fungo shows the slowest leader style, potentially taking the early lead by default. The contested stalking scenario could benefit true closers like Prime Shopping, though speed remains advantageous at 6 1/2 furlongs on this bullring.​

Key Contenders

Jack’s Aloha from post seven at 3/1 morning line brings two wins from 13 career starts with recent victories at seven furlongs and 4 1/2 furlongs here. This three-year-old gelding for trainer Michelle Knoblauch under apprentice Moises Santaella demonstrates versatile form across distances. The five-pound weight allowance (117 lbs) provides meaningful advantage at this claiming level.​

Candy Man Martin from post four at 7/2 offers fast stalking ability for trainer Ronney Brown with apprentice Juan Belisario. This three-year-old gelding shows consistent placings with 62% in-the-money finishes from 13 starts. His recent second and third-place efforts at seven and 6 1/2 furlongs demonstrate competitive current form. The powerful Brown barn (107 wins) and Belisario’s hot hand create a dangerous combination.​

Secondary Choices

Grandpa Joe from post three at 9/2 brings fast stalking style for trainer M. Joanna Boggs under Sunday Diaz, Jr. This four-year-old gelding recently won at 6 1/2 furlongs here, demonstrating he can get the job done when everything aligns. His two wins from 19 starts suggest inconsistency, but current form points upward.​

Prime Shopping from post eight at 5/1 offers fast closing abilities for trainer Javier Contreras under Juan Mauricio Nunez. This four-year-old gelding has won twice from 12 starts with impressive 67% in-the-money consistency. His recent third-place finish at seven furlongs suggests competitive form.​

Longshots

Toodleswasmyname from post six at 6/1 shows the fastest stalking style for trainer Timothy Grams under Denis Vicente Araujo. This three-year-old gelding has won twice from 16 starts with recent competitive efforts at seven furlongs. Grams operates at 14.75% win rate with solid consistency.​

Bold Rock from post 10 at 10/1 demonstrates fast stalking ability for trainer Ollie Figgins III with Arnaldo Bocachica aboard. The elite jockey connection provides significant value at this price, though the extreme outside post creates tactical challenges.​

Selections

Win: Jack’s Aloha (7)
Place: Candy Man Martin (4)
Show: Grandpa Joe (3)

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Jockey Notes and Insights

Arnaldo Bocachica continues his dominant reign at Charles Town with 182 wins at the 2025 meet, operating at an impressive 32.97% win rate. His 12.61 added wins (comparing actual wins to projected wins based on odds) demonstrate he consistently outperforms expectations. Bocachica reached the 3,000-win career milestone on October 1, 2025, solidifying his status as the perennial leading rider at this track. His partnerships with top trainers Anthony Farrior and Jeff Runco produce exceptional results, particularly in stakes competition. Bocachica rides mounts in Races 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8 today, making his selections critical in any multi-race wagers.​

Apprentice Juan Belisario has emerged as the hottest rider at the meet, winning seven of 22 recent starters with at least one victory each racing day last week. His 20.32% win rate and 16.24% purse earning percentage rival veteran statistics despite his apprentice status. The five-pound weight allowance provides meaningful edge in competitive fields. Belisario rides in Races 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 today, warranting inclusion in exotic wagers across the card.​

J.D. Acosta maintains steady production with 61 wins at the meet and a 12.55% win rate. His consistent presence in competitive fields makes him a reliable selection for exacta and trifecta underneath positions. Acosta rides mounts in Races 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7 tonight.​

Victor Rodriguez demonstrates exceptional value with 6.08 added wins ranking second at the meet, meaning he significantly outperforms his mounts’ odds. His 48 wins at 12.34% clip provide steady production. Rodriguez rides in Races 2, 4, 5, and 6.​

Denis Vicente Araujo with 54 wins and Moises Santaella with 22 wins from limited opportunities (16.42% win rate) provide additional value options throughout the card.​

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Trainer Notes and Insights

Anthony Farrior leads all trainers with 119 wins at the 2025 Charles Town meet, operating at 25.76% win rate. His dominance extends to purse earnings where he captures 20.55% of available purse money. Farrior excels across all conditions but particularly dominates maiden and allowance ranks. His barn enters horses in Races 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 today, making him the most influential conditioner on the card. When dropping horses from allowance to claiming ranks, Farrior wins at nearly 50% clip, creating significant edge in class relief scenarios.​

Ronney Brown maintains a hot streak with seven wins from 15 recent starters (11 for his last 25), operating at 19.38% overall win rate with 107 wins at the meet. Brown’s success with modest stock translates to consistent in-the-money finishes, and his 5.52 added wins indicate he outperforms expectations. Brown enters horses in Races 3, 4, 6, and 8 tonight, providing multiple opportunities to capitalize on his current form.​

Kevin Joy operates at 16.30% win rate with 37 wins at the meet, showing particular effectiveness in claiming and allowance company. His positive added win numbers (1.24) suggest reliable performance. Joy saddles entrants in Races 2, 4, 5, and 8.​

Javier Contreras maintains 42 wins at 17% win rate, though his negative added wins (-8.52) indicate his runners underperform relative to odds. Contreras enters horses in Races 3 and 7.​

Timothy Grams with 36 wins at 14.75% win rate provides steady production across claiming ranks. His positive added win metrics suggest reliable value. Grams saddles Moonlit Notion in Race 6 and Toodleswasmyname in Race 8.​

Jeff Runco, the all-time leading trainer at Charles Town with 4,873 career wins, maintains 91 wins at the 2025 meet with an impressive 27.33% win rate. His 17.86 added wins lead all trainers, demonstrating exceptional value when his runners are entered.​

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Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

The card structure presents optimal opportunities for multi-race exotic wagers, particularly the Pick 4 spanning Races 5-8 and potential late-card doubles. The combination of maiden races with first-time starters and allowance events with proven form creates betting puzzles worth solving.

Race 2 presents an excellent single opportunity with Hey Boots for the Bocachica-Farrior combination at 2/1 in a speed-favoring sprint distance. Using this race as a key in Pick 3 and Pick 4 sequences reduces ticket costs while maintaining integrity.

Race 4 offers exceptional value with Mo Joke at 3/2 for the Brown-Belisario combination. The route distance favors tactical speed, and Belisario’s apprentice allowance provides meaningful weight advantage. This race can serve as another spread-reducing single in multi-race wagers.

Race 6 presents Moonlit Notion as a vulnerable favorite given his step up in distance from 4 1/2 furlongs to 6 1/2 furlongs. Spreading to include Tour Guide and Mon Gateau (both Brown trainees at 6/1 and 8/1) creates excellent value scenarios against the chalk.

Race 8 as the nightcap offers the best longshot opportunity with Candy Man Martin at 7/2 for the red-hot Brown-Belisario combination. The West Virginia-bred claiming event attracts evenly matched runners, and the apprentice weight advantage could prove decisive.

The vertical exacta in Race 7 with Dorado over Im the Director at approximately 3/2 and 5/2 respectively projects reasonable return with both proven runners likely to compete for victory.

Daily Double combinations linking Race 1 to Race 2 provide opportunities to use Joel’s Boy or Mille Parole over Hey Boots for mid-priced returns.

The late Pick 4 (Races 5-8) structure allows for singles on Divining Moment (Race 5) and Dorado (Race 7) while spreading across Brown trainees in Races 6 and 8 for optimal ticket construction.