$1M Charles Town Classic

by Tom Quigley

$1,000,000 Charles Town Classic (G2)

Charles Town

Race 11 (Saturday, April 20, 2019: 5:37 p.m./ET; 2:37 p.m./PT)

One mile and an eighth (4-year-olds and up)

The most prestigious race of the year in West Virginia is this Saturday, the Charles Town Classic (G2), with a cool one million dollar purse up for grabs. Let’s take a closer look at the field:

#1 MONGOLIAN GROOM ran third in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) just two weeks ago to GIFT BOX and MCKINZIE. He faces an arguably easier field in this spot and cuts back a furlong. The big question is will he ‘bounce’ off that solid effort? But if he can duplicate his last start, he has a shot.

#2 NANOOSH makes his first start for trainer Jorge Navarro, who wins at a 25% clip with runners moving into his barn. Son of PAYNTHER last won three races ago in the Zia Park Derby last year. His most recent start resulted in a fourth place finish behind RATED R SUPERSTAR and GIANT EXPECTATIONS at Oaklawn Park. He sports two bullet works heading into this race for his new barn. Maybe.

#3 DIAMOND KING makes his second start off a six-month vacation. In his first start off the break, this son of QUALITY ROAD easily defeated allowance company at Gulfstream Park. Javier Castellano rides for his second start in the form cycle. Wouldn’t discount.

#4 RALLY CRY makes his 2019 debut in this spot. The Todd Pletcher trainee was last seen finishing fourth behind YOSHIDA and next out Clark Handicap (G1) winner LEOFRIC in the Woodward at Saratoga (G1). Pletcher wins at an astonishing 33% clip with runners making their first start off a layoff. Contender if he fires his best shot.

#5 IMPERATIVE, now a nine-year-old, has won this race two times before (2014 and 2017), but most recently has lost by double-digit lengths in five of his last six races. Form reversal is needed to be competitive.

#6 DISCREET LOVER makes his first start in five-and-a-half months for trainer Uriah St. Lewis. After a win in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G2) two starts ago, this colt ran eighth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). His lone career race over this track, which came in last year’s Charles Town Classic (G2), resulted in a poor performance. One of the classier horses entered, but will play against off the layoff.

#7 SOMETHING AWESOME looks to defend his Charles Town Classic title after a neck victory in this race last year. He has failed to be competitive against tougher company since then, which is a cause for concern. Will need to find last year’s Charles Town form to win this race with veteran pilot Edgar Prado set to pilot.

#8 RUNNIN’TOLUVYA is a West Virginia win machine. Local gelding is 11-for-14 lifetime over the Charles Town bullring, with 8 straight victories over this track. It’s hard to knock a horse that does nothing but win, but this level of company is a whole new ballgame. Stepping up from the minor leagues to the majors.

#9 WAR STORY has not been seen since November. Last year, this gelding finished a neck behind #7 SOMETHING AWESOME in the Charles Town Classic (G2). He sports a sharp, six-furlong workout in 1:12 flat for trainer Jorge Navarro, who wins at a 33% clip from a 109-horse sample with his trainees making their first start off a layoff between 61-180 days. A possibility.

#10 UNBRIDLED JUAN has never finished off the board in 16 lifetime starts on a fast dirt track. Exotics possibility.

#11 BOBBY G is on the also eligible list and would need a defection to draw into the race.

SELECTIONS

1. #3 DIAMOND KING – Improving four-year-old.

2. #4 RALLY CRY – Pletcher has ‘em ready to roll off layoffs. 

3. #9 WAR STORY – Ran well in this race last year for a high percentage trainer.

LONGSHOT VALUE PLAY- #1 MONGOLIAN GROOM – Big ‘Cap effort was a lot better than looked.

WAGERING STRATEGY

I’m going all in on my top pick.

BANKROLL PLAY ($50 Budget)

$50 Win: #3 DIAMOND KING

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