• Purse: $100,000
• Distance: 1 Mile (Turf)
• Surface: Turf
Eligibility: Louisiana‑bred 3‑Year‑Olds & Up
Venue & Race Details
Location
Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino 2235 Creswell Lane Extension, Opelousas, Louisiana A tight‑turning turf course where tactical speed is a major advantage, especially at the one‑mile distance.
Scheduled Post Time: 6:42 PM CT (Race 5)
Expected Weather & Track Conditions
Forecast: Clear skies
Temperature: ~84°F
Humidity: 65%
Wind: 6–8 mph from the southeast
Turf Condition: Firm
Bias Notes: Evangeline’s turf mile favors forward‑placed runners—deep closers often struggle to make up ground around the tight far turn.
Field Overview – 2026 Louisiana Legends Turf Stakes
Morning line odds, post positions, connections, running styles, and recent form included.
Post 1 – Who Took the Money (ML 9/5)
Trainer: Bret Calhoun Jockey: Tim Thornton Running Style: Tactical Stalker
Recent Finishes
1st – Dixie Poker Ace Stakes (FG) – 1M – Firm
2nd – Louisiana Champions Day Turf – 1 1/16M – Firm
1st – Allowance (EVD) – 1M – Firm
Analysis
The class of the field and a Louisiana‑bred turf star. Who Took the Money has a devastating late kick when he’s within striking range. Thornton knows him perfectly and times his move with precision. The rail draw is ideal for saving ground before tipping out in the lane.
Strengths: Proven stakes performer; elite turn of foot; perfect draw. Concerns: Needs a fair pace—too slow early could dull his kick.
Post 2 – Mangum (ML 4/1)
Trainer: Ron Faucheux Jockey: C.J. McMahon Running Style: Pressing Speed
Recent Finishes
2nd – Allowance (EVD) – 1M – Firm
1st – Optional Claiming – 1M – Firm
3rd – Louisiana Cup Turf Classic – 1 1/16M – Firm
Analysis
Mangum is a tough, consistent turf runner who sits just off the leaders and grinds away late. He’s not as flashy as the favorite, but he’s reliable and always gives a strong account. Faucheux’s barn is dangerous in Louisiana‑bred stakes.
Strengths: Tactical speed; consistent; strong trainer. Concerns: Lacks the explosive finish of the top contender.
Post 3 – Budro Talking (ML 6/1)
Trainer: Henry Johnson Jr. Jockey: Joe Stokes Running Style: Midpack / Closer
Recent Finishes
3rd – Dixie Poker Ace Stakes – 1M – Firm
4th – Allowance (FG) – 1M – Firm
2nd – Louisiana Cup Turf Classic – 1 1/16M – Firm
Analysis
A veteran Louisiana‑bred turf specialist who always shows up. Budro Talking has a strong late kick but needs a clean trip and a decent pace. Stokes fits him well and knows how to time his run.
Strengths: Reliable closer; strong turf résumé. Concerns: Pace‑dependent; needs racing luck.
Post 4 – Behemah Star (ML 5/1)
Trainer: Joseph Foster Jockey: Vicente Del‑Cid Running Style: Pressing Speed
Recent Finishes
1st – Allowance (DED) – 1M – Fast (off‑turf)
2nd – Louisiana Champions Day Turf – 1 1/16M – Firm
3rd – Allowance (EVD) – 1M – Firm
Analysis
Behemah Star is versatile and can run well on turf or dirt. He’s best when sitting just off the leaders and making a sustained run. Del‑Cid is a rising star in Louisiana and rides this horse with confidence.
Strengths: Tactical versatility; strong recent form. Concerns: Needs to prove he can outkick the top two.
Post 5 – Charlie G (ML 10/1)
Trainer: Allen Landry Jockey: Kevin Smith Running Style: Front‑running Speed
Recent Finishes
4th – Allowance (EVD) – 1M – Firm
1st – Allowance (DED) – 1M – Fast (off‑turf)
5th – Louisiana Cup Turf Classic – 1 1/16M – Firm
Analysis
Charlie G is the likely pace setter. He has enough early foot to clear the field and try to slow things down. If he gets loose on the lead, he becomes dangerous, especially on a firm Evangeline turf course.
Strengths: Lone‑speed threat; dangerous if unpressured. Concerns: Class test; vulnerable to late runners.
Post 6 – Jax Man (ML 12/1)
Trainer: Karl Broberg Jockey: Joel Dominguez Running Style: Midpack / Grinder
Recent Finishes
3rd – Allowance (EVD) – 1M – Firm
5th – Optional Claiming – 1M – Firm
2nd – Allowance (DED) – 1M – Fast (off‑turf)
Analysis
A hard‑trying gelding who grinds away but lacks the finishing punch of the top contenders. Broberg’s horses often outrun their odds, but this is a tough spot.
Strengths: Consistent; capable of hitting the board. Concerns: Needs a perfect trip; lacks top‑end speed.
Pace Projection
Early Leaders
Charlie G (P5) – clear speed
Behemah Star (P4) – pressing
Mangum (P2) – stalking close
Midpack
Who Took the Money (P1)
Budro Talking (P3)
Jax Man (P6)
Expected Shape: Honest but not blistering. Advantage to tactical stalkers—especially Who Took the Money.
Power Rankings (Projected Performance)
Who Took the Money (P1) – Class edge + perfect setup
Mangum (P2) – Reliable, tactical, consistent
Budro Talking (P3) – Late threat if pace is honest
Behemah Star (P4) – Versatile and dangerous
Charlie G (P5) – Lone‑speed longshot
Jax Man (P6) – Minor award contender
