Venue: Evangeline Downs, Opelousas, Louisiana
Scheduled Post Time: 9:07 PM CT
Purse: $100,000
Distance: 1 mile (Dirt)
Conditions: 4‑year‑olds & up
Expected Weather Conditions (Inference)
No official weather data was provided in the retrieved sources.
Typical early‑April Louisiana conditions:
Mid‑60s to low‑70s°F
Humid with light breeze
Dirt surface typically fast unless rain intervenes
Evangeline’s mile configuration often favors tactical speed and pressers.
(Inference only — not sourced.)
Full Field Analysis (8 Horses)
PP #1 — Perry County (5/2)
Pedigree: Collected – Tyrannical
Age/Sex: 4‑year‑old colt
Weight: 119 lbs
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
Trainer: Veronica Litfin
Owner: Veronica Litfin
Analysis:
A talented colt who nearly shocked the Super Derby, finishing a close second to Instant Replay. He has tactical speed and proven mile stamina. Thornton is one of the strongest riders at Evangeline. A major win contender.
PP #2 — Authentic Gallop (6/1)
Pedigree: Authentic – Galloping Ami
Age/Sex: 4‑year‑old gelding
Weight: 123 lbs
Jockey: Kevin Roman
Trainer: Kinnon LaRose
Owner: D and N Racing, LLC
Analysis:
A well‑bred gelding by Kentucky Derby winner Authentic. Carries top weight but has the class to stay competitive. Roman is an aggressive rider who may send him early. A live mid‑price option.
PP #3 — Feelthebeat (20/1)
Pedigree: Cupid – Shelby’s Song
Age/Sex: 7‑year‑old gelding
Weight: 119 lbs
Jockey: Edward Santiago
Trainer: Raul Quinones
Owner: Adonai Quinones Stable
Analysis:
A veteran with experience but limited graded‑stakes success. Likely to sit mid‑pack and hope for a pace collapse. Exotics only.
PP #4 — Great Escape (15/1)
Pedigree: Midnight Storm – Chickasaw Gal
Age/Sex: 7‑year‑old gelding
Weight: 119 lbs
Jockey: Harry Hernandez
Trainer: Robertino Diodoro
Owner: Multiple partnership group
Analysis:
A graded‑stakes winner (Canadian Derby G3) with back‑class. Diodoro is a high‑percentage trainer, and Hernandez is a strong finisher. If he returns to his best form, he is a dangerous longshot.
PP #5 — Brite Outlook (8/1)
Pedigree: Anchor Down – Betty Brite
Age/Sex: 6‑year‑old gelding
Weight: 121 lbs
Jockey: Julio Ramirez Jr.
Trainer: Benard Chatters
Owner: P.T. Thoroughbreds LLC
Analysis:
A consistent runner with solid local form. Has enough tactical speed to stay involved early. A useful value play.
PP #6 — Mr McGregor (4/1)
Pedigree: Into Mischief – Sweet Bliss
Age/Sex: 6‑year‑old gelding
Weight: 119 lbs
Jockey: Joel Dominguez
Trainer: Juan Munoz Cano
Owner: Juan Munoz Cano
Analysis:
Into Mischief progeny are versatile and durable. Mr McGregor has strong mile form and a reliable closing kick. Dominguez fits him well. A top‑three contender.
PP #7 — Zambezi (9/5, Morning‑Line Favorite)
Pedigree: Candy Ride (ARG) – Sahara Wind
Age/Sex: 6‑year‑old gelding
Weight: 123 lbs
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Owner: Paradise Farms Corp. & David Staudacher
Analysis:
The deserving favorite. Maker ships in a powerful gelding with elite mile credentials. Candy Ride offspring excel at this distance. Hernandez is a top Louisiana rider. Zambezi is the most likely winner on paper.
PP #8 — The Donegal Clan (12/1)
Pedigree: Twirling Candy – Auntjenn
Age/Sex: 5‑year‑old gelding
Weight: 119 lbs
Jockey: Jamison Mudd
Trainer: Dane Noel
Owner: Donegal Racing
Analysis:
A capable gelding with decent late pace. Needs a perfect trip to threaten. Deep exotic option.
Recent Finishes & Track Conditions
The retrieved sources did not provide recent race‑by‑race finishes.
However:
Evangeline Downs dirt is typically fast in early April (inference).
Weight assignments range from 119–123 lbs per stakes conditions.
Exacta Recommendations
7 over 1, 6, 4
1 over 7, 6
Trifecta Structure
7 / 1, 6 / 1, 4, 5, 6
1 / 7 / 4, 5, 6
