Evangeline Downs Pick 5: Friday April 8, 2022

After going 4-for-5 on Thursday, we know we are seeing the ball, so let’s take another swing. Our value race (Race 6) got bottomed out by scratches last night and the favorite prevailed. We tossed that fave because we knew if he won, there would be no juice (paid ~$60). We love juice.  Nine-race card tonight so the Pick 5 will begin with Race 5, 7:18 pm (CT) post time. Feeling good about beating many of the morning-line favorites while still playing a skinny card.

All As: $9

All As and All Bs: $48

Race 5 Dirt 6 1/2 Furlongs. Clm 5000n4L 4yo & up

A: We’ll go deepest here in an attempt to take down two vulnerable short-price horses. Let’s start with the #2 Yes Bab (10-1). This three-time EVD winner has had four workouts since last running, and should be fresh for this big class drop. #3 Flash Me Back (8-1) was an impressive stalk and pass score last out for 2021 leading trainer, Ramirez, who wins back at 32% out of past 102 races. #6 Broad Decision (5-1) should have pace to close into as he returns to his favorite distance. 

B: #4 Perfect Mistake (5-2) goes second time out for Keith Charles, with every right to return to form for his favorite distance. 

Race 6 Dirt 5 Furlongs MC 12500 for fillies and mares 3yo & up

A: #4 Roux Bandit (3-1) took a hard bump and had the lane pinched out of the gate last time. Looked good in her stride recovering but lacked energy to get the win. Possible single if you’re looking for one. #7 In For A Penny (5-2) has sharpened up in the mornings since joining Larrosa’s barn. #9 Miss Linda Lou (20-1) is fresh for her four-year-old debut and has quickest early fractions in the field. She could gain confidence on the lead and wire.

B:  #6 Valid Break (2-1) I would toss but for the recent workout--possibly has finally figured it out?

Race 7 Dirt 5 1/2 Furlongs Mdn 25k for statebred 3yo & up

A: #7 Custom Prayer (9-5) takes to the track for second start--any step forward wins this. He would be a single if I didn’t have so much respect/fear for Faucheux. 

B: #2 Single Shot (9-2) & #4 Half Magic (8-1) are both lightly raced, turf-dirt Faucheux entries with early turn of foot. Need to step up figure-wise to compete with Custom Prayer, but still could offer value.

Race 8 Dirt 1 Mile Alw 26000n1x for statebred 4yo & up

This is the vampire race--if the # 6 That’s D’Cat (2-1) wins, the value will be sucked out of the pool. Let’s try to beat him.

A: #1A Bourbon St Tappin (5-2) figured it out in a big way last out. He won for fun and I would not be surprised if he does again today. He had been bet hard every time out, so connections knew this one had potential. #7 Everlovinghand (8-1) No one was catching Big Chopper last time out, but Everlovinghand ran a strong second. He has run well with excuses again and again. Calhoun to Faucheux--in these trainer’s hands I trust.

Race 9 Dirt 5 1/2 Furlongs Clm 5000n2L statebred fillies and mares 4yo & up

A: In this two-horse race, let’s single #7 Light as a Whisper (3-1). She dueled and prevailed over a next-out winner in maiden score. She beat a strong field and gets fresh for Brinkman who is in a zone as of late. It’s between this one and the #2 Prayers Saved (5-2), who I will fade after that filly had a perfect trip/no excuse last out.