Evangeline Downs Pick 5 for Thursday, July 28: Near Singles

I have four horses I am trying to convince myself to single: #4 Pray Ide Sing (10-1), #8 Light as a Whisper (10-1), #5 Real City Speed (3-1), and #1 Respect All (3-1). These are interesting fields, and each of these horses have an edge, but sometimes the desire to have a single in a sequence out-reasons my true opinion of the race.

I will stay true to my opinion of the race and include all the legit contenders in my picks below. But in terms of betting strategy, I will be pressing up my A opinions, specifically those above, in order to aim for what could be a nice, low four-figure payout for this sequence.

.50 cent Pick 5

• All As: $8
• 4 As and 1 B: $40
• 3 As and 2 Bs: $72
• Total: $120

Race 4: Dirt, 6 1/2 Furlongs Clm 5000B, 3-year-olds and up

As: #4 Pray Ide Sing (10-1) took the blinkers off and became the epitome of a relaxed horse last race, sustaining his run with even pace figures through all calls. Big chance. #8 Honor My Speed (3-1) lost to a solid horse in Frank the Mayor last out. Interesting to see him run near the pace last out at the sprint distance when he has spent most his life coming off the pace going two turns. Maybe a new trick up this seven-year-old’s sleeve.

Bs: Two-time winner at this distance, #3 Gracida (4-1) is a consistent type who enters Karl Broberg’s barn and could come fast late. #5 Sr. Clarky (5-1) needed more ground last out and gets it here. Has a fighter’s chance if the pace heats up.

Race 5: Turf, 5 Furlongs Clm 15000(15-10)N2Y, 3-year-olds and up

As: #2 Saturday’s Gold (2-1) scorched the earth on the lead two back and though a speed duel is likely, that’s okay, this fella has tactical options. #4 Hooray Austin (9-5) has the class and the closing style to clean the table with this field. 

Bs: #1 Smooth Colliery (5-1) enters Eduardo Ramirez's barn, jumps in class, and exits a winner? Wouldn’t be surprised. If we simply toss #5 Tapizars Secret (3-1)'s dud on the turf two back when he faced three next-out winners, then he makes sense and has the colony’s best turf rider in the irons.

Race 6: Dirt, 1 Mile Clm 7500N3L, 3-year-old and up statebred fillies

As: #3 Kappa Hill (4-1) ran a dud last out but won at 10k level a couple back beating a solid, formful field. I love #8 Light as a Whisper (10-1) to wire this field. Brett Brinkman has his four-year-old filly in form, and she beat three next-out winners in her last, so the class hike is justified.

Race 7: Turf, 5 Furlongs Alw 23000N3L, 3-year-olds and up

A: #5 Real City Speed (3-1) looks to be sitting on another big effort after chasing fast fractions and scoring the first off the layoff victory and career-best speed figure in the last.

Bs: #1 Jr’s Pacifico (10-1) will return to the turf and should be sending to the lead, a positive angle for turf sprints. #2 Scrappy Artie (5-2) will try turf for the first time and has the pedigree to back it. #3 Intimidation (7-2) is interesting in here going from route to sprint for Rylee Grudzien, who has won 23% out of 43 times shortening up her routers. 

Race 8: Dirt, 6 Furlongs Clm 5000N2L, 3-year-old and up statebred fillies

A: #1 Respect All (3-1) should be able to wire this field. She’s stepping up after winning the maiden but was able to beat the game next-out winner Custom Guitar in that one. 

B: #8 Miss Miracle Girl (5-1) hasn't run on a fast main track in her last four races, and could reawaken, assuming things stay fast and firm.