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Charles Town hosts eight competitive races tonight, including claiming, allowance, and maiden events. The evening starts at 7:00 PM with the first claiming race, followed by races approximately every 28-30 minutes until the final around 10:17 PM.
Track Conditions and Weather
Current conditions at Charles Town indicate fair weather, with temperatures at 48°F, northwest winds at 9 mph, and humidity at 68%. The forecast predicts sunny conditions, which should result in an excellent racing surface for tonight’s card. The track usually stays in good to fast condition during fair weather, favoring speed horses and early pace runners.
Race 1 – 7:00 PM – Claiming ($5,000)
Distance: 7 Furlongs | Purse: $13,600 | Field: 5 horses
Key Contenders
Buoyant (#4) emerges as the top selection for trainer A. Ferris Allen III and jockey Luis Angel Batista. This three-year-old gelding drops into the claiming ranks at an attractive level and shows tactical speed that should work well in this shorter field.
Ghostlyprince (#2) represents solid value for trainer Edwin Tobin with Anthony Mawing riding. The seven-year-old gelding has been competitive at this level and could benefit from the pace scenario.
Secondary Choices
Sigrun Fast Boy (#1) brings experience under Moises Santaella but faces a tough assignment at the reduced weight of 117 pounds. Run Rocky Run (#5) at 115 pounds could be a pace factor early for trainer Jean Adorno.
Pace Analysis
The pace should be moderate with Buoyant and Sigrun Fast Boy likely to press early. This sets up well for a closer like Ghostlyprince to make a late move.
Selections: 4-2-1
Race 2 – 7:30 PM – West Virginia-Bred Fillies Claiming ($5,000)
Distance: 6½ Furlongs | Purse: $13,600 | Field: 6 horses
Key Contenders
Butterfly Effect (#3) stands out as the prime choice for trainer Ronney Brown with Juan Belisario aboard. This three-year-old filly at the reduced weight of 113 pounds should be competitive in this restricted state-bred event.
Dream Street Rose (#6) represents trainer Michael Jones Jr. with Marshall Mendez riding at full weight of 122 pounds. Her class and recent form make her a solid contender.
Secondary Choices
Oscor (#2) for trainer Frederick Clatterbuck could provide value at longer odds. Moonshine Mama (#1) also merits consideration at the reduced claiming weight.
Wagering Angles
The 3-6 exacta offers solid value in this competitive state-bred affair.
Selections: 3-6-2
Race 3 – 7:57 PM – Maiden Special Weight (West Virginia-Bred)
Distance: 6½ Furlongs | Purse: $30,600 | Field: 7 horses
This maiden special weight event for West Virginia-bred two-year-olds presents an intriguing handicapping puzzle with several horses showing promising credentials and strong connections. The $30,600 purse reflects the quality typically expected in these restricted state-bred events.
Key Contenders
Trust the Climb (#6) emerges as the standout selection for Hall of Fame-caliber trainer Anthony Farrior with Jeiron Barbosa riding. Farrior has established himself as one of the nation’s most successful trainers, leading the country in wins in 2023 and capturing the Charles Town training title. His 25.2% win rate at Charles Town from 480 starts demonstrates exceptional competence at this venue.
This two-year-old gelding finished a “promising runner-up over course and distance” in his most recent effort, suggesting significant improvement potential. The fact that handicapping experts are touting him to “go one better” in this spot indicates strong confidence in his progression. Barbosa provides solid riding from the rail-skimming post position, allowing tactical flexibility.
Musical Standard (#1) represents the primary threat as a first-time starter for trainer Jill Spangler with Sunday Diaz Jr. aboard. However, this gelding carries recent racing experience, having finished fourth in his most recent start at Charles Town on October 3rd behind winner Dyna Mike. The fact that he’s running back quickly suggests connections are confident in his current condition. Diaz Jr. brings solid riding credentials to this assignment.
Secondary Contenders
Rock n’Opportunity (#3) and Fiber Rocks (#4) create a fascinating stable coupling for trainer Timothy Grams. Grams represents one of Charles Town’s most accomplished conditioners, recently achieving his 1,000th career victory milestone and maintaining consistent success at the venue. The fact that he’s running two horses in the same maiden event suggests he views this as a winnable spot.
Rock n’Opportunity draws rider Maximo Chilo, while Fiber Rocks gets Larry Reynolds aboard. The stable’s dual entry strategy could create interesting pace dynamics and potentially sets up one to rate off the other’s early speed.
My Brothers Angel (#5) represents Farrior’s second string with J.D. Acosta riding. Having two horses in the same race from the leading barn creates both opportunity and tactical considerations. This colt could benefit if the race sets up favorably for closers.
Longshot Analysis
Not My Circus (#2) for trainer Ronald Sigler with Wilfredo Santiago riding presents potential value at longer odds. Two-year-old maiden races often produce surprises, and this gelding’s breeding could complement the distance.
Eagle Eyed Denis (#7) carries the lightest weight at 117 pounds for trainer Timothy Shanley with Moises Santaella aboard. The five-pound weight advantage could prove significant in a competitive maiden field.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario appears moderately contested with several horses likely to show early foot. Musical Standard with racing experience should break alertly, while the Grams-trained duo could press early fractions. This setup potentially favors Trust the Climb, who demonstrated ability to rate off the pace in his previous runner-up effort.
The 6½-furlong distance provides sufficient time for pace development while rewarding both speed and stamina. West Virginia-bred juveniles often show good tactical speed at this venue.
Breeding and Physical Analysis
Two-year-old maiden events frequently reward precocious types with solid conformation and early speed. The restricted nature to West Virginia-breds ensures a level playing field in terms of breeding quality. Horses making their second career start often show significant improvement as they gain racing experience.
Trainer and Jockey Angles
Anthony Farrior’s presence with two horses signals serious intent. His national-leading win totals and Charles Town expertise make both his runners dangerous. The choice of Jeiron Barbosa on Trust the Climb over J.D. Acosta suggests this is the stable’s preferred runner.
Timothy Grams’ stable coupling creates interesting wagering opportunities. His extensive experience with juveniles at Charles Town provides confidence in both entries’ readiness.
Key Wagering Angles
Win Bet: Trust the Climb (#6) represents the logical choice given his previous course-and-distance runner-up effort and elite trainer.
Exacta Play: 6-1 and 6-3 combinations offer solid value potential.
Trifecta Strategy: Key #6 on top with 1,3,4 in the second and third positions.
Longshot Special: The 6-7 exacta could provide excellent payoff potential if Eagle Eyed Denis benefits from his weight advantage.
Final Assessment
Trust the Climb possesses the ideal combination of proven course-and-distance form, elite training, and tactical positioning to capture his maiden victory. His runner-up effort last time provides concrete evidence of ability at this level. The Farrior-Barbosa connection adds significant confidence to the selection.
Selections: 6-1-3
Best Bet: Trust the Climb (#6) to Win
Value Play: 6-7 Exacta Box ($10)
Race 4 – 8:25 PM – West Virginia-Bred Claiming ($5,000)
Distance: 4½ Furlongs | Purse: $15,800 | Field: 6 horses
Key Contenders
Golden Key (#5) represents excellent value at 3-1 morning line odds for trainer Mark Shanley with Moises Santaella aboard. At 117 pounds, this seven-year-old gelding should be competitive in the short sprint.
Take Your Time (#1) for trainer Lela Hanagan with Sunday Diaz Jr. riding could control the early pace. Juba’s Heart (#2) also deserves consideration for trainer Ronney Brown.
Sprint Dynamics
The 4½ furlong distance heavily favors early speed and horses that can maintain their momentum. Golden Key appears well-suited for this assignment based on his breeding and recent form.
Selections: 5-1-2
Race 5 – 8:53 PM – Starter Optional Claiming
Distance: 7 Furlongs | Purse: $22,700 | Field: 8 horses
Key Contenders
Mor Mor Mor (#1) receives the top selection from Racing Dudes at 7-5 morning line odds. Trainer Stephen Murdock teams with Reshawn Latchman on this four-year-old filly who appears well-placed.
Charge Nurse (#2) brings solid credentials for trainer Kent Knudsen with Anthony Mawing riding. At 122 pounds, this six-year-old mare should be competitive.
Secondary Choices
Kiss Cam (#4) at the light weight of 108 pounds for trainer Ricardo Rangel could be dangerous. Recognize Me (#3) also merits consideration.
Pace Analysis
Mor Mor Mor appears to have the tactical speed to position herself favorably in this longer route race. The seven-furlong distance should suit her running style.
Selections: 1-2-4
Race 6 – 9:21 PM – West Virginia-Bred Claiming ($15,000)
Distance: 6½ Furlongs | Purse: $21,500 | Field: 6 horses
Key Contenders
Bold Rock (#5) earns the top selection at 7-5 morning line odds for trainer Ollie Figgins III with Sunday Diaz Jr. aboard. This three-year-old gelding at 120 pounds appears well-suited for this class level.
Bold Desert (#2) for trainer Dewayne Johnson with Marshall Mendez riding presents solid opposition. Prime Shopping (#3) also deserves consideration for trainer Javier Contreras.
Class Analysis
The step up to $15,000 claiming represents a significant class test for several runners. Bold Rock appears to have the most upside in this field.
Selections: 5-2-3
Race 7 – 9:49 PM – Allowance Optional Claiming
Distance: 6½ Furlongs | Purse: $34,000 | Field: 6 horses
This allowance optional claiming event represents the second-richest race on tonight’s card with conditions that attract competitive runners seeking their second non-restricted victory. The $25,000 claiming option provides flexibility for connections while maintaining race quality.
Critical Development – Jockey Changes
Marshall Mendez was suspended on October 14, 2025, pending a stewards hearing, which directly impacts tonight’s card. Originally scheduled to ride Hammer (#4), this suspension creates uncertainty regarding the jockey assignment for the race favorite. Mendez ranked as Charles Town’s second-leading rider with 71 wins from 419 mounts before his suspension.
Key Contenders
Hammer (#4) remains the logical choice despite the jockey change uncertainty for trainer Kristy Gazzier. This four-year-old gelding has emerged as the star of the Gazzier barn with two consecutive allowance victories this year. His March 6th triumph in a similar allowance/optional claiming event showcased his tactical speed and finishing kick.
The Racing Biz reported that Hammer “broke alertly to sit just outside of Restless through the clubhouse turn and down the backside, surged to command turning for home then held safe the late bid” while winning in 1:20.13 for 6½ furlongs. This identical distance to tonight’s race provides significant confidence in his suitability. Trainer Gazzier noted his ability to handle different track conditions, stating he performed well “on that deep track at Laurel” before returning to win at Charles Town.
Ozone (#3) presents the strongest challenge for trainer Mike Butts with Juan Mauricio Nunez riding. This four-year-old gelding has compiled an exceptional 2025 record with four victories at Charles Town, including wins at 6f 110y, 7f, and 1m 110y. His recent form shows consistent competitiveness with wins on July 26th and July 20th demonstrating current sharpness.
Most significantly, Ozone captured a 6f 110y event on July 26th at Charles Town, the exact distance as tonight’s race. His versatility across distances from 6f to 1m+ indicates tactical flexibility and stamina reserves. The Butts-Nunez combination has proven highly effective with this gelding throughout 2025.
Secondary Contenders
Little Roo Roo (#2) brings solid credentials for trainer Michael E. Jones Jr. with Denis Vicente Araujo riding. This five-year-old gelding has demonstrated consistent ability at Charles Town with multiple victories in 2023 and 2024. His form shows wins at various distances including 4f 110y, 6f 110y, and 7f, indicating adaptability.
The Jones stable has maintained Little Roo Roo in competitive form, with the gelding showing ability to win both on the front end and rating off the pace. His December 15, 2024 victory at Charles Town over 4f 110y suggests current sharpness. However, his recent campaigns have primarily focused on shorter sprints.
Monday Morning Qb (#1) represents experience and class for trainer Henry Walters with Jeiron Barbosa aboard. This eight-year-old gelding captured victories at Laurel Park on January 18th and November 28, 2024, indicating competitive ability at higher-class venues. His recent form shows tactical speed and ability to rate before making decisive moves.
The switch from Laurel Park competition to Charles Town could favor this veteran, as he possesses experience against stronger competition. Barbosa provides solid riding from the rail position.
Longshot Analysis
Stormproof (#5) for trainer Mark Shanley with Julio Jorge riding could provide upset potential at longer odds. The “b” notation beside his weight indicates blinkers equipment, suggesting connections are making tactical adjustments.
Sisyphus (#6) represents trainer James W. King Jr. with Reshawn Latchman aboard in the outside post. Post position six could prove challenging in a sprint, but allows tactical options if the pace develops favorably.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario appears genuinely contested with multiple horses possessing early speed. Monday Morning Qb typically shows early foot from his rail position, while Hammer has demonstrated ability to rate just off the pace. Ozone has shown tactical flexibility in his recent victories.
This setup potentially creates an honest pace that could favor horses with finishing kick. The 6½-furlong distance provides sufficient time for tactical positioning while rewarding both speed and stamina.
Class Analysis
This allowance optional claiming event attracts horses stepping up from claiming ranks or maintaining their current class level. Hammer’s recent allowance victories demonstrate he belongs at this level. Ozone’s multiple 2025 victories indicate consistent competitiveness.
The $25,000 claiming option could attract trainers seeking to protect their horses while maintaining competitive opportunities.
Trainer and Jockey Angles
Kristy Gazzier has enjoyed a banner 2025 campaign with six wins already compared to eight total wins in 2024. Her family’s racing background (mother Rebecca Gazzier was a successful jockey) provides deep understanding of Charles Town racing. The barn’s confidence in Hammer is evident from his recent campaign.
Mike Butts has developed Ozone into a consistent winner throughout 2025, demonstrating his training skills with this gelding. The Butts-Nunez partnership has proven highly effective.
Michael E. Jones Jr. maintains a productive stable at Charles Town with experience in allowance-level competition.
Wagering Strategies
Win Bet: Hammer (#4) despite jockey uncertainty remains the logical choice based on recent allowance success and distance suitability.
Value Alternative: Ozone (#3) offers excellent value given his 2025 record and proven ability at tonight’s distance.
Exacta Plays: 4-3 and 3-4 combinations represent the most logical outcomes.
Trifecta Strategy: Key #4 and #3 in the first two positions with 1,2,5,6 filling out the trifecta.
Upset Special: The 3-1 exacta could provide solid value if Ozone capitalizes on any jockey change complications with Hammer.
Final Assessment
Hammer possesses superior recent form in allowance company with proven ability at tonight’s distance. However, the jockey suspension creates uncertainty that could affect his performance. Ozone represents exceptional value given his consistent 2025 record and specific distance success.
The race shapes up as a genuine contest between proven allowance performer Hammer and consistent winner Ozone, with Little Roo Roo and Monday Morning Qb providing secondary threats.
Selections: 4-3-2
Best Bet: Hammer (#4) to Win (if jockey change is competent)
Value Play: Ozone (#3) to Win
Exacta: 4-3 and 3-4 ($10 each)
Safety Play: If uncomfortable with Hammer’s jockey situation, Ozone becomes the top selection given his proven course-and-distance success.
Race 8 – 10:17 PM – Allowance
Distance: 6½ Furlongs | Purse: $31,700 | Field: 9 horses
This allowance nightcap represents the third-richest race on tonight’s card, featuring horses seeking to break through at the allowance level or capture their second lifetime victory. The competitive conditions attract runners from established stables throughout the mid-Atlantic region.
Critical Jockey Situation
Marshall Mendez’s suspension significantly impacts this race, as he was scheduled to ride Runningthenumbers (#3), with whom he captured a 10-1 upset victory on August 17th at Charles Town. This jockey change creates uncertainty around a horse that showed excellent recent form with that partnership.
Key Contenders
Frosty the Giant (#1) emerges as the logical favorite for Hall of Fame-caliber trainer Kelly Lynn Deiter with Xavier Perez riding. Deiter brings exceptional credentials with 794 career victories and over $12.2 million in earnings spanning four decades. Her 2025 statistics show 3 wins from 24 starts (13%) with strong earnings of $270,485, indicating quality over quantity.
This four-year-old gelding by Frosted possesses excellent breeding for the distance, as Frosted’s offspring typically excel in middle-distance events. The experienced Deiter stable knows how to place horses for optimal success, as evidenced by her sustained career excellence. Perez provides solid riding from the advantageous inside post position.
Tour Guide (#5) represents the most compelling recent form in this field for trainer Ronney Brown with Juan Belisario aboard. This four-year-old colt has won his last three consecutive starts and according to expert analysis “looks well-placed to continue his winning streak”. His recent victories demonstrate current sharpness and confidence.
At the reduced weight of 113 pounds, Tour Guide enjoys a significant weight advantage over most rivals. Belisario brings solid riding credentials and has developed effective partnerships with the Brown stable. The three-race win streak indicates this horse has found his optimal class level.
Strategist (#4) represents elite training from Anthony Farrior, who recently achieved his 1,000th career victory milestone in 2024. Farrior has established himself as Charles Town’s premier conditioner with exceptional success rates and is known for his strategic race placement. His 2022 statistics showed a remarkable 48% win rate at Charles Town early in the year.
This three-year-old gelding at 118 pounds gets experienced rider Jeiron Barbosa, creating a formidable combination. Farrior’s reputation for having horses “ready to run” when they appear makes any runner from his barn dangerous.
Secondary Contenders
Runningthenumbers (#3) faces significant uncertainty due to the Marshall Mendez suspension. This four-year-old gelding captured an impressive 10-1 victory at Charles Town on August 17th with Mendez aboard, paying $31.80 to win. However, the jockey change disrupts a proven successful partnership.
Recent workouts show trainer Mark Joseph Racanelli has kept the gelding sharp, with a bullet work ranking 1/1 at Charles Town. If the replacement jockey proves competent, this horse possesses proven ability at today’s venue and distance.
Gabriel’s Wing (#6) brings recent victory momentum for trainer Ollie Figgins III with Justin Lewis riding. The gelding captured a victory at Penn National Race Course, demonstrating current competitive form. Figgins III operates a successful stable with multiple graded stakes wins. At 120 pounds, this five-year-old should be competitive.
Rick’swarmheart (#2) shows promising 2025 form for trainer Ronney Brown with Denis Vicente Araujo aboard. This three-year-old gelding captured a 7-1 victory at Laurel Park on March 22nd, demonstrating ability against stronger competition. His breeding by Gormley suggests tactical speed suitable for tonight’s distance.
Longshot Analysis
Love Is Wicked (#7) for trainer Dewayne Johnson with Reshawn Latchman riding could provide upset potential at longer odds. Johnson maintains a competitive stable at Charles Town. At full weight of 120 pounds, this four-year-old gelding needs everything to fall perfectly.
Ciderhouse Way (#8) represents trainer Kristy Gazzier at the reduced weight of 115 pounds with Moises Santaella aboard. Gazzier has enjoyed success in 2025, and the weight allowance could prove significant in a competitive field.
Sesame Streek (#9) for trainer Christopher Keller with Sunday Diaz Jr. riding rounds out the field from the challenging outside post. The nine post requires tactical speed to avoid traffic issues.
Pace Analysis
The pace appears genuinely contested with multiple horses possessing early tactical speed. Frosty the Giant from the rail should break alertly, while Tour Guide’s three-race winning streak suggests confidence and sharpness. Rick’swarmheart has shown ability to rate off the pace effectively.
The 6½-furlong distance provides sufficient time for pace development while favoring horses with tactical flexibility. Tour Guide’s recent success pattern suggests he can adapt to various pace scenarios.
Class and Condition Analysis
This allowance event attracts horses stepping up from claiming ranks or seeking to establish themselves at the allowance level. Tour Guide’s three consecutive victories indicate he has found his optimal class level. Strategist represents the Farrior barn’s confidence in his ability to compete at this level.
The weight allowances create interesting dynamics, with Tour Guide enjoying a significant advantage at 113 pounds compared to most rivals at 118-120 pounds.
Trainer and Jockey Combinations
Kelly Lynn Deiter with Xavier Perez represents proven excellence and tactical positioning from post one. Ronney Brown with Juan Belisario brings the hottest recent form with Tour Guide’s win streak. Anthony Farrior with Jeiron Barbosa provides elite training and experienced riding.
Wagering Strategies
Win Bet: Tour Guide (#5) offers exceptional value given his three-race winning streak and expert endorsement.
Value Alternative: Frosty the Giant (#1) represents solid fundamentals with elite training and advantageous post position.
Exacta Plays: 5-1 and 1-5 combinations provide logical coverage of the top two selections.
Trifecta Strategy: Key #5 and #1 in the first two positions with 3,4,6 filling out the trifecta.
Longshot Special: The 5-4 exacta could provide solid value if Strategist benefits from Farrior’s tactical expertise.
Final Assessment
Tour Guide possesses the ideal combination of current winning form, weight advantage, and expert endorsement to capture this allowance event. His three consecutive victories demonstrate he has reached peak form at the optimal class level. The Brown-Belisario partnership has proven highly effective with this gelding.
Frosty the Giant provides solid insurance with elite training from the advantageous rail position. The Deiter stable’s four-decade excellence adds significant confidence to any runner.
The Marshall Mendez suspension creates opportunity for other riders, potentially disrupting the Runningthenumbers threat while opening doors for horses like Tour Guide and Strategist.
Selections: 5-1-4
Best Bet: Tour Guide (#5) to Win
Value Play: Frosty the Giant (#1) to Win
Exacta: 5-1 and 1-5 ($15 each)
Upset Special: 5-4 Exacta ($10) – Tour Guide over Strategist for excellent value potential
Jockey Analysis
Marshall Mendez has multiple strong mounts tonight and should be followed closely. His rides include Dream Street Rose in Race 2, Hammer in Race 7, and Runningthenumbers in Race 8.
Moises Santaella also presents solid betting opportunities with rides including Golden Key in Race 4 and Rare Ruby in Race 5.
Sunday Diaz Jr. merits attention with Bold Rock in Race 6 and Sesame Streek in Race 8.
Trainer Analysis
Anthony Farrior has Trust the Climb in Race 3 and Strategist in Race 8, both representing solid value plays.
Ronney Brown saddles multiple runners including Butterfly Effect in Race 2 and Rick’swarmheart in Race 8.
Mark Shanley has interesting runners with Golden Key in Race 4 and Stormproof in Race 7.
Best Bets and Wagering Strategies
Single Race Plays
- Race 1: Buoyant (4) to Win
- Race 3: Trust the Climb (6) to Win
- Race 5: Mor Mor Mor (1) to Win
- Race 7: Hammer (4) to Win
Multi-Race Strategies
Pick 3 (Races 1-2-3): 4 / 3,6 / 1,6 = $4.00
Pick 4 (Races 5-6-7-8): 1,2 / 5 / 4 / 1,3 = $8.00
Exacta Plays
- Race 2: 3-6 ($10 exacta box)
- Race 7: 4-2 ($5 exacta box)
The card offers solid value opportunities throughout the evening with several shorter-priced favorites appearing vulnerable. Focus on the stronger allowance and maiden races where class advantages should be more pronounced.
