Evangeline Downs Pick 5 Friday, June 24: Against the favorite in last leg

The Pick 5 at Evangeline Downs on Friday night is a perfect opportunity to spend a little bit more than usual, but shoot for the entire pool.

Being against the favorite in the last leg sets us up for a big score. We kick off in Race 4 with an 8-1 and a 10-1 that we can lean on, while still using the logicals as Bs and Cs, knowing there is another favorite we can beat later if we aren’t successful here.

Race 5 is a wide-open optional claiming starter allowance, which always attracts strange bedmates. I am curious to see how these turf routers will be bet, which makes it worthwhile to spread in there with the logicals hoping for a price.

Race 6 has a likely odds-on favorite who is very beatable. I have a strong opinion in Race 7, which is worthy of a single. And in the finale, Race 8, we have an odds-on favorite who will be on every ticket but ours.

All As: $6

4 As and 1 B: $31

4 As and 1 C: $24

3 As and 2 Bs: $51

Race 4: Dirt, 6 1/2  furlongs, Clm 5000N3L 3yo & up statebred fillies

As: #4 Younmehoneybunny (10-1) has dangerous early speed and could wire this field. #9 Anotherinthefire (8-1) ran well winning second off the layoff showing strong run through the wire as she goes a half-furlong longer this time.

Bs: #2 Swimhard Dreambig (5-2) tried stiffer last but couldn’t compete. She’s been racing solid and likely will run decently again. #5 Joey’s Sassy Shana (9-5) beat a weak field in her n2l, and  in no way deserves favoritism.

C: #7 Aphrodites Revenge (7-2) gets Mcmahon for this to try to cure her seconditis. 

Race 5: Turf, 1 Mile, OC20k/SAL10k 3yo & up fillies

As: #1 Money Well Spent (2-1) is a freshened five-time turf winner with strong speed figures. #2 Saber Cut (6-1) has good form, turf pedigree and enters Eduardo Ramirez’s barn for her first turf start. #3 Angel of Verdun (5-2) hasn’t won in three starts since being claimed away from Chris Hartman, but that’s because of facing one peaking foe or another.  

Bs: #4 Flurry of Feathers (10-1) gets Joel Dominguez, who excels on turf and should have pace to close into. #6 Four Princesses (9-2) seems better suited to turf sprinting, but her dirt route efforts have been legit enough to merit consideration.

Race 6: Dirt, 5 1/2  furlongs, Md Sp Wt 25k 3yo & up statebred fillies

As: #4 Divine Defence (10-1)’s sire and dam win often with first-timers. #7 Bett the Limit (6-1) gets two gate works and blinkers for a new trainer after refusing to run in last two. 

Bs: #3 My Little Mia (3-1) could have raced into fitness needed to sustain her early kick. #6 Love That Star (9-5) has three second-place finishes in five starts. Hard to trust, easy to fade. #8 Cece Wave (5-1) we'll use defensively simply because Vicente Del-Cid is aboard.

Race 7: Turf, 5 furlongs, Alw 26000N1X 3 yo & up statebred fillies

A:  #2 Funkylittleshack (5-2) has found her niche sprinting on grass, though connections always knew shorter was best for this daughter of Bedazzle Seattle. 

Race 8: Dirt, 6 1/2 furlongs, Md 12500 3 yo & up

As: #1 Cabochon Treasure (12-1) has the pedigree and connections to win at first asking.

Bs: #3 Quadrajet (8-1) showed early speed after the layoff but was in a catastrophic spot and caved. #7 Highhopes Diamond (5-1) broke in and took a couple of bumps, then the jockey didn’t ask. Gets Jose Barnes today and should be ready to roll. 

C: #4 Cole’s Sensation (3-1) last out he lost four lengths and expended energy to catch up, then didn’t open up late—could’ve been not liking the turf. #5 Lamont (15-1) is a half sister to K R Lucky Day, who won at first asking at 35-1 ... why can’t she do similar? #6 Wild Fist (9-2) wasn’t asked out of the gate on debut and drops from maiden special weight for this.