Louisiana Legends Night: Evangeline Downs Pick 5 for June 4

It's Louisiana Legends Night at Evangeline Downs on Saturday, and, wow, what a card of LA-breds!

As we’ve seen in the past, trainer Jose Camejo not only brings out his Star Guitar guns on a big day for Brittlyn Stables, but he also gives handicappers something to ponder, placing horses in races where they are trying something different than last race or for the first time altogether.

In Camejo I trust, so let’s lean on him in this sequence, as well as arguably Louisiana’s best trainer, Ron Faucheux. Things get extra interesting when we look at a wide-open maiden claimer in the get-out leg. Pour yourself an Abita, boil up some crawfish, and to quote track announcer Rob Tuel, "Ils sont partis"!

50-cent Pick 5

• All As: $12
• 4 As and 1 B: $46
• 4 As and 1 C: $38

Race 5: Turf, 1 Mile LALgndTDB75k 3yo & up statebred fillies

As: #2 World War (10-1) is dangerous on the front end. Trainer Ron Faucheux brings jockey Jareth Loveberry in town for this card, and there are few better on the front end over the turf. #4 Net a Bear (2-1) has thrown up some clunkers in the last two, but we all know her best run comes on grass. Must include.

Race 6: Dirt, 5 1/2 Furlongs LaLgdMmslB75k 3yo & up statebred fillies

A: #4 Ova Charged (6-5) is a phenomenal filly. She beats this field on talent, and she has the heart to overcome any trouble. 

Race 7: Dirt, 5 1/2 Furlongs LaLgnsSptB75k 3yo & up statebreds

As: With so much early speed signed on, we need to lean on closers in this leg. #4 Win Ya Win (10-1) enters this race fresh for Camejo and will have the right pace set-up to strut his best stuff. Though #6 Yankee Seven (5-2) didn’t beat much last out, he is ratable and in the top form of his career. Blinkers go on for #7 Relentless Dancer (6-1), and he is poised for a peak effort after a spring win at Keeneland and now in the hands of Keith Bourgeois. 

B: #5 Bertie’s Galaxy (7-2) is a stand-out here, consistently running speed figures that top this field. Excuse the last effort on turf. If there wasn’t so much speed signed on, would definitely be an A. 

Cs: #1 Black Sword (12-1) will have Vicente Del-Cid piloting him for a late charge if the pace melts downs. Outside post positions have been dangerous, and #12 Takes Two to Tango (15-1) has the form, the jets, and most importantly can duel and sustain.

Race 8: Turf, 1 Mile LaLgdsTrfB75k 3yo & up statebred

As: Let’s look to #6 Behemah Star (10-1) to finish things off. Camejo started him on turf, but four wins later, this is only his second go over the green. His March stakes win at Fair Grounds was impressive and if he retains that form, this could be an exciting stretch run. 

Bs: #1 Mangelsen (5-2) is a one-dimensional speed demon with the rail. Can anyone keep up? There are a few others who could push him too fast early. It’s usually hard for me to get excited about #7 Treys Midnite Moon (8-1), but his numbers on turf are solid and the pace set-up is there. #8 Jaci’s Royalty (6-1) is back in form and ready to take that next step up. 

Cs: #4 Jax Man (10-1) has the form, the late kick, and is sent out by Sam David Jr. who is en fuego. #10 Britts A Closer (20-1) won two of his last four turf efforts with numbers that compete.

Race 9: Dirt, 5 Furlongs Md 7500 3 yo & up statebred fillies 

As: #1 Loco Lucy (7-2) took a few bumps early and didn’t step forward, but could do it here. Blinkers on for #3 Roux Bandit (4-1) after dueling and fading to two next-out-winners last. This could be the day for #4 La Smoochie (7-2) who will likely compete for the lead. #6 Sunset Flash (8-1) closed with alacrity in her second start and will likely take a big step up. 

Bs: #11 Zipity (12-1) should appreciate shortening up to five furlongs. #12 T J’s Sunshine (10-1) looked sharp through the first three calls and has the right to improve.

Cs: 8 Cosmic Belle (12-1) puts blinkers on and could improve dropping back in against statebreds. #9 Les and Madge (6-1) has competitive Brisnet Speed figures.