Horse Race Preview: Race 8 – Bon Temps Stakes at Evangeline Downs

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Stakes • 1 Mile • Turf • $75,000 • Fillies & Mares 3YO+

Venue Information

Track: Evangeline Downs

Location: Opelousas, Louisiana

Surface: Turf (1 mile configuration)

Race Type: Stakes (Bon Temps S.)

Purse: $75,000

Eligible: Fillies & Mares, 3 years old and up

Date, Post Time & Weather

Date: Friday, April 10, 2026

Scheduled Post Time: 8:40 PM CT

Expected Weather Conditions (Inference)

No direct weather forecast was provided in sources; the following is a reasonable race‑day expectation based on typical early‑April Louisiana conditions.

Temperature: Mid‑60s to low‑70s (F)

Sky: Partly cloudy

Chance of Rain: Low to moderate (spring showers possible)

Wind: Light southerly breeze

Projected Turf Condition: Firm to Good (weather‑dependent)

This weather section is an inference based on regional climate norms, not a sourced forecast.

Field Overview & Full Runner‑by‑Runner Analysis

1 — Highly Wicked

ML Odds: Not listed in source; AI projections list her as the likely winner
Pedigree: Wicked Strong – Highly Confused
Age/Sex: 6‑year‑old Mare
Weight: 125 lbs
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
Trainer: Sam B. David Jr.
Owner/Breeder: Earl Hernandez, Keith Hernandez & John Duvieilh

Analysis

Highly Wicked enters as the projected top contender according to AI modeling. She is a seasoned mare with tactical speed and proven stamina at a mile. Thornton is one of the most reliable riders on the Louisiana circuit, and Sam David Jr. is known for getting older mares to peak in spring. Her weight assignment (125) is high but appropriate for a stakes‑tested veteran. Expect her to sit just off the pace and launch a sustained run.

2 — R T’s Gem

Pedigree: Gemologist – Miss Velocity
Age/Sex: 6‑year‑old Mare
Weight: 119 lbs
Jockey: Harry Hernandez
Trainer: Jonathan Wong
Owner: Bar Racing (Jeffrey Mott)
Breeder: Richard Tate

Analysis

R T’s Gem is a consistent mare with a grinding style. Wong’s runners often improve second off the layoff, and Hernandez is an aggressive rider who can secure position early. She benefits from a lighter impost (119) and should be forwardly placed. Her best chance is to control the pace or sit second and hope the closers don’t fire.

3 — In B. J.’s Honor

Pedigree: Coal Front – Wave Goodbye
Age/Sex: 5‑year‑old Mare
Weight: 123 lbs
Jockey: Joel Dominguez
Trainer: Joseph M. Foster
Owner/Breeder: Southern Legacy Thoroughbreds LLC

Analysis

A well‑bred mare with a strong middle‑distance profile. Coal Front progeny often show tactical versatility. Dominguez is a patient rider, which suits her late‑kick style. She’ll need a lively pace to maximize her closing ability. A live contender for exotics if the race collapses up front.

4 — Tommie G

Pedigree: Court Vision – Adrianne G
Age/Sex: 5‑year‑old Mare
Weight: 119 lbs
Jockey: Isaac Castillo
Trainer: Patricia G. West
Owner: Thomas Galvin
Breeder: Thomas M. Galvin

Analysis

Court Vision offspring excel on turf, making Tommie G a legitimate upset candidate. She’s lightly raced for her age and may still have upside. Castillo is a strong turf rider who times his moves well. Expect her to track mid‑pack and look for a seam turning for home.

5 — Nodah

Pedigree: Mor Spirit – Forest Path
Age/Sex: 6‑year‑old Mare
Weight: 125 lbs
Jockey: Edward Santiago
Trainer: Benard Chatters
Owner: Kenneth L. Roberts Racing Stables Inc.
Breeder: J. Adcock & Nathan C. Granger

Analysis

Nodah is a powerful mare with a grinding style but must shoulder 125 lbs, matching the top weight. She’s durable and consistent but may be pace‑dependent. If the early fractions are soft, she could be compromised. Still, her class keeps her in the mix.

6 — Kalil

Pedigree: Practical Joke – Hatpin
Age/Sex: 4‑year‑old Filly
Weight: 123 lbs
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
Trainer: Jeff Delhomme
Owner: Set‑Hut LLC (Jake Delhomme)
Breeder: Scott & Company Farm LLC

Analysis

Kalil is one of the younger entrants and may have the most upside. Practical Joke progeny often show strong turn‑of‑foot, and Hernandez is a top‑tier Louisiana rider. She’s lightly raced but improving. A legitimate win threat if she takes another step forward.

7 — Precious Money

Pedigree: Mr. Money – Battle for Tarawa
Age/Sex: 4‑year‑old Filly
Weight: 119 lbs
Jockey: Emanuel Nieves
Trainer: Gary J. Husak
Owner: Jamal Zamin
Breeder: Allied Racing Stable LLC

Analysis

Precious Money is pace‑reliant and may attempt to steal the race on the front end. Her pedigree leans dirt, but she has shown flashes on turf. If she clears early, she becomes dangerous. If pressured, she may fade late.

8 — Miss Priority

Pedigree: Apriority – Miss Dealbreaker
Age/Sex: 7‑year‑old Mare
Weight: 119 lbs
Jockey: Casey Fusilier
Trainer: Paul Duhon
Owner: Salli Foushee
Breeder: Pam Stephenson

Analysis

The oldest mare in the field, Miss Priority brings experience but may lack the finishing punch of the younger runners. She’s consistent and honest, but her ceiling is likely underneath in trifectas or superfectas.

Projected Pace Scenario

Likely Early Leaders: Precious Money, R T’s Gem

Stalkers: Highly Wicked, Kalil, Tommie G

Closers: In B. J.’s Honor, Nodah, Miss Priority

Expect a moderate pace, giving tactical runners (Highly Wicked, Kalil) a strong advantage.

Win Contenders

Highly Wicked – Proven class, ideal running style

Kalil – Upside play with improving form

In B. J.’s Honor – Best closer if pace heats up

Value Plays

Tommie G – Turf pedigree + rider upgrade

R T’s Gem – Could control pace at a price

Exacta Model

Primary: 1 over 3, 6, 4

Secondary: 6 over 1, 3

Trifecta Model

1 / 3, 6 / 3, 4, 6, 7

Superfecta Spread

1, 6 / 1, 3, 6 / 3, 4, 5, 6 / ALL