Whiskey Bravo heads up Friday allowance

OPELOUSAS, La. – Friday nights consistently have produced high-quality programs all season at Evangeline Downs, and this week is no exception. Two allowances are featured on the nine-race program that starts at the new first post of 5:50 p.m. Central.

Race 8

Key contenders

Whiskey Bravo (Last 3 Beyers: 84-56-84)

* Picked up his first win in more than a year while making his first start for a new barn, which was not surprising as it seems that almost everything Karl Broberg sends out for the first time, whether it is off the claim or a private transfer, wakes up. The runner-up from that win has come back to flatter him, although it did come at a rung below this on the class ladder while at even-money on the tote.

* He was handled patiently by leading rider Colby Hernandez in that recent score, and with the major contenders in this five-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up to his immediate outside, seemingly intent on making the early lead, he should be able to stalk and pounce once again.

Senior Rapidor (Last 3 Beyers: 67-69-62)

* Looks like the quickest of the quick in here and drew the best of the pure speed. His Beyer Speed Figures have traded in a rather narrow range this year, however, and it might take more than a mid-60 Beyer to win this.

Bisque (Last 3 Beyers: 62-70-59)

* Longshot player could surprise off a couple of pretty good efforts off the layoff. The third start back today could have him sitting on a peak effort for a barn that is long past due for a win.

Race 6

Key contenders

Dixie Brees (Last 2 Beyers: 46-47)

* Won at first asking at the always-challenging seven-furlong distance and promptly went on the shelf for 10 weeks. She did not catch the break in her return effort and managed only a tepid rally, so a cleaner start looks essential to her chances in this six-furlong sprint for fillies and mares ages 3 and up.

Indigo Dancer (Last 3 Beyers: 57-57-49)

* She saw her Beyer progression stall in that maiden score last time, but she finished with good resolve to kick clear after setting all the pace. Sterner test Friday, to be sure, and there is some speed between her and the rail, but she has the look of a solid, developing filly.

Top Figure (Last 3 Beyers: 55-38-70)

* They thought enough of her after that maiden score at Fair Grounds early in the year to ship to Oaklawn for her first try against winners. She caught a pretty tough group that day, as the winner came back to win a stakes at Prairie Meadows in her next start. Her comeback two weeks ago certainly was good enough to build on Friday.

Lady Margots Humor (Last 3 Beyers: 58-58-50)

* Her running style has varied from on and off the pace, and versatility always is a good thing to have. A bullet work between starts and the presence of the leading rider are signs that she will be well meant in her local debut.