The D. S. Shine Young Futurity returns as one of Louisiana’s premier juvenile stakes races, spotlighting 2-year-old colts and geldings bred in the state. Set as Race 9 at Evangeline Downs on Saturday, August 2, 2025, this 5½-furlong dirt sprint offers a $70,000 purse and a glimpse into the future stars of Louisiana racing.
Race Details
Race: D. S. Shine Young Futurity
Track: Evangeline Downs, Opelousas, LA
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Post Time: 8:31 PM CT
Distance: 5½ furlongs (Dirt)
Purse: $70,000
Conditions: Accredited Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings
Full Field Analysis
| PP | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Sire | Dam (Dam Sire) | ML Odds |
| 1 | Two Good Old Guys | J. Melancon | A. Landry | Thousand Words | Those Lion Eyes (Lion Heart) | 10/1 |
| 2 | Parole Drama | D. H. Magnon | C. D. Pomier | No Parole | Mum (Tapit) | 8/1 |
| 3 | Unlawful | C. Perez | N. Latour | Sky Mischief | Runaway Abaco (Sun King) | 20/1 |
| 4 | Mor Force | F. Wethey Jr. | J. J. Gelner | Mor Spirit | Ready Witted (More Than Ready) | 9/2 |
| 5 | Reaux Ban Da Man | J. Dominguez | S. Wilson | Midshipman | Holdontoyourdream (Proud Citizen) | 12/1 |
| 6 | Mr Mo Money | T. L. Pompell | B. A. Brinkman | Mr. Money | Mo Gayle (Uncle Mo) | 12/1 |
| 7 | Bayouland Red | A. Castillo | J. M. Foster | Catalina Red | Supreme Bean (Super Saver) | 15/1 |
| 8 | Seizethedaydude | C. J. Hernandez | D. Terre | Carpe Diem | Sentimental Gal (More Than Ready) | 3/1 |
| 9 | Hint of Platinum | T. Thornton | S. J. Ducoing | Imperial Hint | Platinum Lady (Half Ours) | 7/2 |
| 10 | Golden Mane | C. McMahon | J. J. Gelner | Goldencents | Wolfblade (Midshipman) | 5/1 |
Top Contenders Breakdown
Seizethedaydude (ML: 3/1)
Trainer: David Terre
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
Pedigree: By Carpe Diem, out of Sentimental Gal (More Than Ready)
Form: Sharp debut winner with tactical speed
Edge: Strong closing kick, proven connections, top breeding
Hint of Platinum (ML: 7/2)
Trainer: Sturges J. Ducoing
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
Pedigree: By Imperial Hint, out of Platinum Lady (Half Ours)
Form: Consistent juvenile with stakes potential
Edge: Speed pedigree, experienced rider, solid works
Mor Force (ML: 9/2)
Trainer: Jayde J. Gelner
Jockey: Floyd Wethey Jr.
Pedigree: By Mor Spirit, out of Ready Witted (More Than Ready)
Form: Improving colt with strong gallop-out
Edge: Versatile running style, well-bred for distance
Pedigree Highlights
Carpe Diem: Sire of Seizethedaydude; known for precocious 2-year-olds with speed and stamina.
Imperial Hint: Sprinting influence; Hint of Platinum inherits explosive early pace.
Goldencents: Proven sire of stakes winners; Golden Mane could surprise with late kick.
Thousand Words & No Parole: Louisiana-based stallions adding depth to the local breeding program.
Final Thoughts
The D. S. Shine Young Futurity is shaping up to be a thrilling sprint between Seizethedaydude, the likely favorite with a strong pedigree and sharp form, and Hint of Platinum, who brings speed and consistency. Mor Force and Golden Mane offer value with upside, while Parole Drama and Two Good Old Guys could surprise with pace pressure.
