Nighttime Thoroughbred action returns as Charles Town reopens

Racing resumes in West Virginia Thursday night when Charles Town hosts a nice-race program beginning at 7 p.m. ET. The feature will be a 1 1/16-mile entry-level allowance for fillies and mares.

Racing will be held on a Thursday through Saturday basis for the time being. Bettors should be aware that for now only horses stabled in West Virginia, or West Virginia-breds, will be allowed to race at Charles Town. Out-of-state shippers would need to make arrangements through the racing secretary to stable with a trainer who has been allocated stalls at Charles Town in order to race.

A generally popular nighttime signal, Charles Town handled more than $1.3 million per card from Jan. 1 through the cessation of racing on Mar. 21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The track will enjoy a virtual domestic monopoly on night Thoroughbred racing for a while, so handle should see a considerable boost above the earlier average.

Charles Town lost its signature race, the Charles Town Classic (G2) in April, due to the pandemic. Six $50,000 stakes are scheduled through June 6, all restricted to West Virginia-breds. The track's other graded event, the Charles Town Oaks (G3), is traditionally run in September.

When Charles Town last raced in March, Denis Araujo held a three-win lead over Arnaldo Bocachica in the jockey standings. Araujo reportedly fractured a foot in a morning training accident last month and remains sidelined. Bocachica is named to ride Thursday and has won at an impressive 29% clip for the meet.

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Racing At a Glance as of March 23, 2020

Read the full list of information on the Charles Town racing prior to the closing for COVID-19 compliance.

• Avg. Winning Odds: 4.52 – 1
• Favorite Win%: 40%
• Favorite Itm%: 75%

Betting Payout Details

Hot Trainers and Jockeys