Evangeline Downs Pick 5 for Aug. 10: Finding the separation race 

Looking over a sequence to see if you want to invest the time and money into playing it, it’s important to find a separation race—a spot where you have an opinion on which horses will be on most tickets, and you can make a good case for a horse(s) who will not. 

Working through this all-five-furlong sprint sequence at Evangeline Downs, immediately I am interested in seeing the pair of two-year-old maiden races to kick it off—difficult races, but a little work with pedigree and trainer stats goes a long way.

Also, we’ll be able to see where the money is going on both races—always a good signal to keep in mind. But it’s the turf sprint, Race 6, that is my separation race. In a field of horses that all look like they have a shot and will cause many to spread, there is one that stands out: #8 La Tress Gray (12-1). We’ll build a ticket around her.

All As = $12

4 As $ 1 B = $21

3 As & 2 Bs = $9

Race 4: Dirt, 5 Furlongs, Md Sp Wt 24k 2 yo & up statebreds

The sequence starts off with a strange phenomenon: the conditions for Race 4 and Race 5 are twins. If this was "Twins," the 80s movie, Race 4 would be played by Danny DeVito.

As: None of these sires’ two-year-olds have had much success at first asking, so let’s lean on #3 Troska (12-1) and #5 Dolly’s Guitar (7-2), who both have one race under their belt. 

Bs: #2 Copper Moon (2-1) has been working sharp in the mornings, including a bullet two back. #6 Onecallthatsall (3-1) has been working well in the mornings and comes out for a trainer who has not sent many out recently but used to score at a good rate with firsters.

Race 5: Dirt, 5 Furlongs, Md Sp Wt 24k 2 yo & up statebred fillies

If this was "Twins," the movie, Race 5 would be played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The sires have the stats, the experienced runners have better figures. I try never to do this, but given my opinions in the races to follow, I will be using All 7 in here, though not equally.

Race 6: Turf, About 5 Furlongs, Alw 23000N3L 3 yo & up fillies

A: #8 La Tress Gray (12-1) has been trying to run on turf for the past two and continues to run excusable trips and fade. Eduardo Ramirez and Joel Dominguez team up to score on the turf at a mighty rate, and whereas others will pass because of the questions about form and turf ability, I will single and find my separation here.

Race 7: Dirt, 5 1/2 Furlongs, Alw 25000N2L 3 yo & up statebreds

The favorite, Jamaican Me, has got the seconditis blues. Easy to play against.

As: #3 Peanut N Ike (5-2), #6 Heza Pickle (4-1), and #7 Bryken N Mitchell (7-2) are indistinguishable to me—similar figures, class, and any of them could figure this race out.

Race 8: ​​Dirt, 5 Furlongs, Clm 5000N2L 3 yo & up fillies

A: Don’t think too hard about this one, #1 My Lovely Charlie (7-2) has been facing tougher, running faster speed figures, and comes out for a trainer who is having an excellent meet. A champagne single.