Evangeline Downs Pick 5 for June 9

Before we rush forward, a quick hats off to the job trainer Scott Gelner has done with his 3-year-old colt Big Chopper who earned a 98 Brisnet Speed figure winning the LA Legends Cheval going 1 mile.

Also, how about the 96 Bris figure Bertie’s Galaxy recorded winning the LA Legends Sprint. He is now 20 times in the money out of 25 runs, and trainer Ron Faucheux deserves a round of applause (and beers) for preparing his 6-year-old to run his best every single time. Big performances from some classy LA-Breds on Louisiana Legends night.

Fields are shorter on Thursday’s card, so we won’t go too deep. I’ve carved a $48 ticket of As and Bs that should do the trick for this sequence. I’ll press my A opinions by betting that ticket a few times as well.

We have trainer Keith Bourgeois’ formful filly #5 Fish N Chick (2-1) facing fellas in the 6th, who I think we should fade and cover our bases with four others to gain equity. I’ll be planting my sword in the final leg with a second-time starter against a suspect coupled entry.

50-cent Pick 5

• All As: $12
• 4 As and 1 B: $24
• All As and Bs: $48

Race 4 Turf 1 Mile Clm 20000 (20-15) N2L 3 yo & up fillies

A: #2 Anna Clause (5-1) exits what I believe to be the toughest last race and tries the turf again in her second start out for Juan Larrosa. #4 Burning Desire (5-2) exits that same race where she ran her best Brisnet Speed figure first time on the turf. #7 Taylor’s Babe (3-1) returned to the turf sprint last out and showed some steam running through the wire and galloping out in third. Wants more distance, likes the surface and has the pedigree for two-turn turf success (Midshipman).

Race 5 Dirt 5 Furlongs Clm 5000 N2Y 3 yo & up

As: #1 Platinum Equity (15-1) makes his first start for Karl Broberg trying to regain form. He has the back class/figures to romp if he can. #5 I’m Looking Up (10-1) has boom or bust form and we are coming off a bust. Loves the distance and has front speed. 

B: #7 Impact Player (8-1) fits nicely against these. Five furlongs might be too sharp for closer #8 Maintenance Matt (3-1) but he has the form and the jock (Vicente Del-Cid). 

Race 6 Turf 5 Furlongs Clm 15000 (15-12.5) N3L 3yo & up

A: #3 Grand Prado (3-1) just ran his best race and now moves to turf. Apriority progeny have won 19% of their turf sprints. #6 Young Tuscan (12-1) battled and prevailed in the stretch last out, against worse company, but has the form, the odds, and a trainer who wins 20% third-off a layoff.

B: #1 Chairman Moo (5-2) is a Daredevil and should hit the grass running. #4 Balky (6-1) takes a big class drop for new trainer Scott Geldner; it could be a sign of departed form, or could be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Race 7 Dirt 6 Furlongs Alw 27000 N3L 3yo & up statebreds

As: #2 Grand Priority (5-1) hit the gate and settled to last, which has not been his preferred position, but still ran well in the stretch to get third on a day when speed was holding. #4 Feisty Fist (5-2) has faced stakes foes in all starts after winning his maiden. Class relief and front-running tactical options.

Race 8 Dirt 6 Furlongs Md 12500 3yo & up fillies

A: These are the races where we must take a stand. There is a coupled entry standout who will be heavily backed, and I believe we can beat her with the #2 Respect All (5-2). Trainer Allen Landry does well with second-time starters and this filly looked sharp through the turn and should have the fitness and better post position to beat this field.