Pick 5 Play Fair Grounds: Saturday, Nov. 19

It’s important to have a strong opinion in one of the first two legs of this sequence at Fair Grounds — both are two-year-old races where you can make a strong case for many in each field. It’s easy to get caught up in wire-to-wire first-out winners, early-year form, pedigree, and connections. And other tickets will. Separate from the pack in the first two legs of the Pick 5.

50-cent Pick 5 = $15

Race 5: Dirt, 5 1/2 Furlongs, Joseph R. Peluso S., 2-year-old statebreds

My strong opinion is in the first leg. I am all over #8 Late September (5-2). His trip from Royal Ascot to Delta Downs — you don't hear of that too often — didn’t take anything out of him as he beat a tank in King’s Lute after being caught wide in the first turn. He’s got more to show here and will likely stalk and gobble up what looks like a hot pace.

Race 6: Dirt, 5 1/2 Furlongs, Md Sp Wt 50k, 2-year-old fillies

#1 Oath of Allegiance (10-1) is making her second start for Joe Sharp, so expect improvement. #3 Master Som (4-1) showed me all I need to know last out at Keeneland. She breaks like lightning and immediately gets to front-running business. Third run from Steve Asmussen, and he will be ready to show more. #6 Hayunevano (9-2) has the works and connections to make an impact first time out — must include. #7 Camp Akeela (3-1) didn’t step forward in the dirt with blinkers on in last, but this filly out of Tom Amoss’ barn has been moving with ease in the mornings and should be live towards the lead. #9 Miss Shipman (8-1) moved professionally walking the front last out but simply ran out of gas to make it seven furlongs.

Race 7: Dirt, 1 Mile 70 yards, Scott’s Scoundrel S., 3-year-old & up statebreds

The 3-year-old Louisiana Champion #10 Who Took the Money (9-5) somehow keeps moving forward. A late kicker will have you white-knuckling on the dirt, but his Thoro-Graph figures put him in another league against these foes.

I’d single, if I didn’t know better. #2 Behemah Star (6-1) lit up these ranks in last year’s Star Guitar, and big race days mean something to the owner, Brittlyn Stable, so there is no doubt that Jose Camejo will have Behemah Star cranked in here. A hot pace in store, the trip will be crucial for both of these in here.

Race 8: Dirt, 6 Furlongs, Monte Man S., 3-year-old and up statebreds

Give me Bertie’s Galaxy (2-1) or give me death. This speedster can duel, dig in, and will run his eyeballs out. This stake is named for his stablemate, and winning it undoubtedly means a lot to Ron Faucheux.

Race 9: Dirt, 5 1/2 Furlongs, Md Sp Wt 50k, 2-year-old statebreds

Half-sibling to Social Misfit, #1 Anders Smile (6-1) gets another chance after blowing the start on debut. The works are sharp and the pedigree is there. #7 Righteous Freedom (10-1) has early speed and Louie Roussel gets his horses ready for that second start. #10 Jack Hammer (7-2) is half to Winning Romance and fired a confidence-inspiring bullet last week. He simply has to overcome this wide draw to win on debut.