Evangeline Downs All-Stakes Pick 4

Sometimes I think "All-Stakes Pick 4" should have been my middle name. This week I set my sights down to Opelousas for a big twilight racing card at Evangeline Downs. Topped by the $300,000 Evangeline Downs Turf Sprint, it is a four stakes evening for the South Central Louisiana track. The good folks at Evangeline were nice enough to card them consecutively and attach a 50-cent Pick 4. Enough said. My wagering dollar has been attracted. And away we go ...

Race 5 – The Acadiana (LA-bred) 7 furlongs Dirt – The weakest of the four races, it could be as easy as placing you money on the nose of the favorite #7 Our Quista. Only 2-of-4 lifetime, though, I am willing to take a shot on a few others in here, and hope for some odds. #1 Shelby's Song has good speed on the rail. #3 Sweet Alice Benbow is coming off a career best win over this track. On her best, #9 Off Cycle certainly fits with these, and #10 Silver Vision could be my long one, as she is coming off a win over the track and at the tricky seven furlong trip.

Race 6 – The Opelousas 1 1/16 miles Turf – While there are several capable turf fillies in this one, I just can't get past the #5 Class Included. Beaten less than 5 lengths in the Grade 1 Jenny Wiley last out, she looks like the class of the field. Even better yet, at 13-of-26 lifetime, she really knows her way to the winner's circle. She's already collected three stakes wins since joining the Ron Faucheux barn last year, and she has the tactical speed to find a good position early. Class Included will be my top pick, but looking for some bigger odds, #6 Sister Ginger has also faced good horses this year, and I see little wrong with her turf record.

Race 7 – Evangeline Mile 1 mile Dirt – I am going to keep this one simple ... #5 Sunbean and #8 Grand Contender are two of the best older males in the country that very few outside of Louisiana know about. Both like to win, and while one has to lose tonight, I believe it is highly unlikely that both will.

Race 8 – Evangeline Downs Turf Sprint 5 furlongs Turf – Not surprisingly, there is a ton of speed in this rich dash, including multiple stakes winners #10 Sum of the Parts and #5 Heitai. Either could certainly win, and should be included on the ticket, but I think the race sets up well for someone to come and pick up the pieces. The classy #6 Gantry best fits that bill. The classy stakes winner on both turf and dirt should sit the trip and is my most likely winner. For a little more odds, I will also include #7 Lemon Drop Dream and #8 Solar Charge. Both should be running late, and have shown the ability to run very fast at times.

The Play – I’ll go with a lone 50-cent Pick 4 for a total of $50.

1,3,7,9,10 / 5,6 / 5,8 / 5,6,7,8,10 = $50

Good luck to all!