Art Collector Ready to Cash in Charles Town Classic

The Grade II has attracted one of the more even fields in recent history and horse racing odds are available.

Class Factor Is Art Collector

The 4-year-old colt is one of the most talented Thoroughbreds in America on his day. He scored five consecutive wins in 2019-2020 before rising in grade and meeting his match.

However, despite going three runs without a victory, he bounced back with an impressive outing at Saratoga earlier this month in the Alydar Stakes.

His three consecutive defeats weren’t bad runs. He finished fourth in the Grade I Preakness Stakes before running eighth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. His return in the Kelly’s Landing was expected, but he appears to be back to his best.

Art Collector Steps Back Up for Charles Town Classic https://t.co/WTGDvNP088 @BH_COser pic.twitter.com/H1ljT1Z2uR

— BloodHorse (@BloodHorse) August 25, 2021

Trainer William Mott loves having him in the stable and the Charles Town Classic favorite is capable of the quick back-up.

“We’re glad to have the opportunity to have a horse like him in the barn,” Mott told The Paulick Report. “It’s nice to have a horse you can take to these kinds of races, and you have some sort of chance.

“It’s a little bit risky coming in on that short rest, but it’s a nice race to participate in and the purse money is very good. If we had another week it would be a lot better, but that’s the only drawback.”

Bet online at BetUS, which has markets for the Charles Town Classic, where Art Collector could prove too strong.

Warrior’s Charge to Launch Claim

There is some trepidation at the sportsbook with Warrior’s Charge, but there is little wrong with his form.

The Brad Cox-trained son of Munnings finished second behind Maxfield in the Grade II Stephen Foster, which is excellent form for this race. He improved on his recent form and Warrior’s Charge is a runner that finished fourth in the 2019 Preakness Stakes.

“Maxfield is a cut above that group, but he ran second,” Cox said of the Stephen Foster. “But it showed [Warrior’s Charge] doesn’t have to go to the front and can pass horses. It wasn’t the way we thought it would play out, and we were happy with the way it played out.

Warrior’s Charge got in for an amazing second place finish in the Stephen Foster Stakes today. Proud of this horse for his effort today! @bradcoxracing pic.twitter.com/BW26AJm8gP

— Anika Miskar Photography (@seattleracing) June 26, 2021

“We have to hopefully get a good trip (in the Classic) and hopefully he likes Charles Town. There are 800,000 reasons to try it.”

We wouldn’t be leaving Warrior’s Charge out of our Charles Town Classic selections. He is classy at best, and bettors should get a value price.

Caramel Twirl a Tasty Bet in Oaks

The 3-year-old filly is owned by global powerhouse Godolphin, and she could add a Charles Town Oaks to their record.

She is a daughter of Union Rags that took five starts to break maiden status, but she has since won again. Her first win came at Keeneland in April before running seventh in the Grade II Eight Belles.

Her win at Saratoga last start is a good form guide, and it has prompted bookmakers to trim her odds. She is now into favoritism for the Oaks, and a win could see her race in the Breeders’ Cup Oaks in November.

It’s not an easy field to beat, as the likes of Pauline’s Pearl, Inject and Miss Leslie are all well-graded. However, trainer William Mott is happy with his filly.

“She’s a nice filly,” Mott said, “Always well thought of. We tried stretching her up to a mile, two turns, and it didn’t work, so we shortened her back up and it worked well. Six and seven furlongs are probably good distances for her.”

The Charles Town Oaks has attracted a field of 11 for the $400,000 co-feature. It’s the 13th edition of the race, and although it hasn’t been won by America’s best fillies, it’s a race well worth following.