Quills Picks Winners – Friday 8/28 – Charles Town Race 11
Today we take our annual look at Charles Town Races in West Virginia. The spotlight this evening is on them as they hold the signature race of the year, the Grade 2 Charles Town Classic.
A full field of ten horses will go a mile and an eighth. If you are unfamiliar with Charles Town, their track is six furlongs in circumference. With the configuration of the track, these ten horses will go three turns for the money here this evening. Let’s see who can negotiate the three turns.
Charles Town Race 11 – Charles Town Classic (Grade 2)
Favored in tonight’s race is the 10 Skippylongstocking (3/1 morning line). He did not fire in the Grade 3 Monmouth Cup where we finally got to see Knightsbridge show that he can go two turns. Skippy has run all the big races and the question is if the last race was a regression due to age or the jockey smartly wrapping him up when he knew the horse was not going to win.
The 2 Willy D’s (5/1 ML) finished last of five in the Grade 1 Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs in June, but that was a loaded race. He likes to be closer to the pace and that first turn will come up quickly, so he could be on the lead here with the post position today.
The 1 Gigante (12/1 ML) finished third in the Grade 3 Cornhusker Handicap at Prairie Meadows last month. He should be able to get good positioning and might be able to show off his closing kick in the final quarter mile of this race.
The 8 Banishing (4/1 ML) won last year’s Charles Town Classic and took the same route as last year. He won the Jeff Hill Memorial Stakes for the second consecutive year in preparation for tonight’s race. He has shown that he wants the lead, but don’t be surprised if he is stalking the pace here this evening.
The 9 Barbadian Runner (9/2 ML) is the “it” horse on the Maryland circuit though he lost by a head at Colonial Downs last month in the Yorktown Stakes. He has a win over the track and is four for five at nine furlongs with one place finish. He can close but I think he could be pressuring the pace here from the outside post.
Joe’s Charles Town Classic Pick
This may not be the wise decision, but I am chucking out Skippylongstocking at Chucky Town tonight. Though I think that he was protected by his jockey for the next race, I’m thinking we might be seeing one of Skippy’s races.
I’m going to do with Willy D’s here tonight. I think he has a great post, especially with the track configuration. Look for him to potentially be on the lead, getting that perfect trip not far from the rail. Barbadian Runner and Banishing will make it interesting late, but I think this is Willy D’s race to win after dropping in class after that star studded Stephen Foster in June.
I’m calling this race 2-9-8-1 and my play is $20 to win on the 2. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
