Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino
Opelousas, Louisiana (2235 NW Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette, LA 70507 – commonly referred to as Opelousas-area venue) Date: Friday, April 3, 2026
Scheduled Post Time: 6:24 PM CT (first post for the card is 5:30 PM CT)
Distance/Surface: 6 furlongs, Dirt
Purse: $60,000
Eligibility: For 3-year-old fillies (Louisiana-bred or accredited preferred; weight 118 lbs base, with allowances for non-winners of a stakes or multiple races)
Expected Weather Conditions: Warm and humid early-April evening in south Louisiana. Game-time temperatures expected in the mid-70s to low-80s°F (24–28°C) with partly cloudy skies and a low chance of scattered showers or thunderstorms (20–40%). Light south-southeast winds 8–12 mph. Humidity 65–80%. Track should remain fast unless late showers arrive; monitor for any sealing if precipitation hits pre-race. Fans should dress for warm, muggy conditions—typical spring racing weather at Evangeline.
Track Conditions (latest available): Dirt – Fast (standard opening-week surface; speed-favoring bias typical for one-turn sprints at Evangeline early in the meet). Inside posts often advantaged on fast dirt, but stalkers can close if early fractions are hot. This $60,000 stakes kicks off the 2026 Thoroughbred season at Evangeline Downs and serves as an early test for Louisiana-bred and open 3-year-old fillies at the 6-furlong sprint distance. A compact field of just six heads to the gate, headlined by a sharp Michael Maker shipper (Woodstock) and a pair from the hot local barn of Chasey Deville Pomier. The race figures to be a tactical sprint battle with several live contenders off strong recent speed figures.
Full Field with Post Positions, Morning Line Odds, Jockeys, Trainers & Analysis
Post 1 – Final Shipman (filly by Midshipman out of Final Adventure)
ML Odds: 10/1 • Jockey: Kevin Roman • Trainer: Chasey Deville Pomier • Weight: 118 lbs
Recent finishes: 6th (79 figure) in a 6f stakes/allowance at Oaklawn Park (3/14/26), but prior winner at 5f Delta Downs (2/11/26, 119 figure) over Echo Juliet. Pomier is a local powerhouse with multiple live runners today; this filly has early speed and rail position but needs to bounce back from her last out. Live longshot if she returns to Delta form—could wire or press if the pace is moderate.
Post 2 – Echo Juliet (filly by Echo Town out of Prima Diva)
ML Odds: 7/2 • Jockey: Thomas L. Pompell • Trainer: Brett A. Brinkman • Weight: 116 lbs
Recent finishes: 2nd (109 figure) in a 5½f allowance at Fair Grounds (3/13/26), 2nd (117 figure) beaten a head by Final Shipman at 5f Delta Downs (2/11/26), prior maiden win at Delta (11/22/25). Consistent placer with high speed ratings; Brinkman/Pompell combo knows the local circuit. Tactical speed from post 2 makes her a major threat to sit just off the pace and pounce. Strong exotics player and possible upsetter if favorite falters.
Post 3 – Front Runnin (filly by War Front out of Runnin Ruby)
ML Odds: 5/2 • Jockey: Elio J. Barrera • Trainer: Chasey Deville Pomier • Weight: 118 lbs
Recent form limited in early 2026 snippets, but Pomier barn is rolling (multiple entries today) and War Front progeny often show tactical speed and class. Likely to be forwardly placed with Barrera’s aggressive style. Second-favorite on ML; dangerous if she can control the front end or sit a stalking trip. Pedigree and trainer heat give her a big shot in this spot.
Post 4 – Midnight Passion (filly by Quality Road out of Midnight Fantasy)
ML Odds: 9/2 • Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez • Trainer: Patrick Devereux, Jr. • Weight: 118 lbs
Louisiana-bred with local connections; Devereux is a solid Evangeline trainer who knows the track bias. Recent form not detailed in available data but consistent enough to merit mid-pack ML. Hernandez is a leading local rider. Could improve with a clean trip and stalk the speed; live at square odds if the top choices overpace. Respect as a potential exotics filler.
Post 5 – Harvey’s Finnish (filly by Harvey Wallbanger out of Lons Finnish)
ML Odds: 8/1 • Jockey: Timothy Thornton • Trainer: Danny Pish • Weight: 122 lbs (top weight)
Pish is a veteran Louisiana trainer with a knack for getting runners ready for stakes. Recent figures around the 96 range (per HRN data); likely coming off a prep where she showed stamina. Thornton is reliable. Outside post may require a wide trip, but she has closing ability. Longshot chance if the race sets up for a closer on a fast track.
Post 6 – Woodstock (filly by Yaupon out of Hot Hippie)
ML Odds: 9/5 (favorite) • Jockey: Harry Hernandez • Trainer: Michael J. Maker • Weight: 122 lbs
Top selection. Ship-in from a top national barn (Maker); Yaupon progeny are precocious sprinters. Recent form points to sharp condition with high win probability per early analysis. Hernandez knows Evangeline well. Outside post is manageable in a small field; expect her to track or press and deliver a strong late kick. Class and trainer edge make her the one to beat—projected winner on speed figures and connections.
