Evangeline Downs Pick 5: Saturday, April 9

No one could bring it home last night, so the wager paid four out of five. 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--which is the best place to begin building out a multi-race ticket.

All As: $6

4 As and 1 B: $42

Race 5: Dirt, one mile, MCL $7,500 statebred fillies/mares, 3yo & up

A: #4 Lucky Linda (2-1) transfers to Faucheux’s barn after running well but not winning at Fair Grounds this winter. Last two losses came chasing lone speed, but she should be up close and personal with the lead, ready to make first run for the score. 

B: It’s hard to swallow singling a horse who has ran second in the last two. Let’s look to #7 Track Queen (8-1) who showed good early speed off the layoff and could sustain the bid with excellent route jock, Fusilier, up. #10 My Avani (6-1) takes blinkers off for high-percentage third start after layoff trainer, Thomas Lee.

Race 6: Dirt, six furlongs, Clm $5000N2y, 4yo & up

A: Let’s look to beat the favorite, #6 I’ll Raise You (5-2), who was claimed from Broberg. #3 Masterly (7-2) is more than just a hunch play. He has the front-running style to wire this field.

B:  #1 Mistake Present (3-1) is coupled and dangerous for trainer White who has had solid EVD meets in the past. #7 Warriors Gem (4-1) should have a nice set-up to run down if there is a meltdown.

Race 7: Dirt one mile, Clm $7500(7.5-6.5)N2Y, 4yo & up

A: #1 Si Es Goya (2-1) is a consistent earner who ran a big race last out at FG and can work out a nice trip from the rail. #4 Calculate (5-1) has the late kick and speed figures; he only needs to round back into form after last dull effort. 

B: #2 Flashing Angelbaby (15-1) is a frontrunner for Brinkman who can do no wrong lately. #3 Big Falcon Rocket (4-1) drops back down to a level where he ran a strong second.

Race 8: Dirt, one mile, Alw $26000N1X, statebred fillies/mares, 4yo & up.

A: #2 Summer Is Hot (3-1) is lone speed but takes a step up in class. This is the second shot at allowance company for #4 Velvet Night (9-2), and she lucks out with a weak field. #5 Be a Bandit (10-1) is inconsistent but capable of beating these. 

Race 9: Dirt, five furlongs, Clm $5000N2L, 4yo & up

A: #2 M and M’s Custom (3-1) is a frontrunner who shortens up after being passed late going 6 1/2 furlongs. #3 Argybargy Buck (6-1) gets Thornton up to go for an angle I love: looking to win his first outing after the maiden win.

B: Stokes stays up on #8 Elisher (10-1) for Landry instead of the ML favorite. He has tactical options and an outside post to figure out the best trip. #9 Daves Friend Dewey (20-1) returns to the Ramirez barn, and he ran well for them in 2021.