The Don Stemmans Memorial Stakes at Evangeline Downs is set to be an exciting race, featuring a competitive field of Louisiana-bred horses aged four and up. Scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2025, this stakes race will be run over 1 1/16 miles on turf with a purse of $60,000. Here’s a detailed analysis of the contenders, their jockeys, trainers, and pedigrees:
Field Overview
House Bourbon
Jockey: Sergio Munoz
Trainer: Cesar Govea
Pedigree: By Palace Malice out of Bella Canzone (by Gio Ponti)
Owner: L and G Racing Stables
Analysis: This 4-year-old gelding has shown consistency on turf and will look to capitalize on his stamina and tactical speed.
Tussling Charlie
Jockey: Aubrie Green
Trainer: Lee Thomas
Pedigree: By My Pal Charlie out of Tussling Teton (by Teton Forest)
Owner: Elite Thoroughbred Racing, LLC
Analysis: Known for his strong finishes, this gelding could be a threat if the pace is fast early on.
Nopenottonight
Jockey: Jansen Melancon
Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun
Pedigree: By Unified out of Gypsy Princess (by Unbridled’s Song)
Owner: St. Eligius Reserve
Analysis: A lightly raced colt with potential, he’ll need to step up against this experienced field.
Cosmic Train
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
Trainer: Jerry Delhomme
Pedigree: By Klimt out of Cosmic Emergency (by Any Given Saturday)
Owner: Delanie J. Calais, Jr.
Analysis: This 6-year-old gelding brings experience and a solid turf record, making him a strong contender.
Good and Stout
Jockey: Marcelino Pedroza, Jr.
Trainer: Carrol Castille
Pedigree: By Coal Front out of Ready Witted (by More Than Ready)
Owner: Whispering Oaks Farm, LLC
Analysis: A versatile runner with tactical speed, he could control the pace or sit just off the leaders.
Allnight Moonlight
Jockey: Elio J. Barrera
Trainer: Samuel Breaux
Pedigree: By Ransom the Moon out of Gingertini (by Medaglia d’Oro)
Owner: Roger G. Smith
Analysis: The likely favorite, this 5-year-old gelding has a strong closing kick and top-class connections.
Brian’s Iron Mike
Jockey: Casey Fusilier
Trainer: Allen Landry
Pedigree: By Iron Fist out of Hildegarde (by Ghostzapper)
Owner: Hat Racing LLC
Analysis: A consistent performer, he’ll need to find another gear to compete with the top contenders.
Mi Solution
Jockey: Jose Luis Rodriguez
Trainer: Keith G. Bourgeois
Pedigree: By Real Solution out of Mi Isabella (by Twilight Agenda)
Owner: South Central Stables
Analysis: A 6-year-old gelding with a strong turf pedigree, he could surprise with the right trip.
Don Guillermo
Jockey: Emanuel Nieves
Trainer: Jayde J. Gelner
Pedigree: By Proudinsky (GER) out of Officer’s Boots (by Officer)
Owner: Horsefly Racing, LLC
Analysis: At 9 years old, he’s the elder statesman of the field but still capable of a competitive effort.
Tdzshininluckystar
Jockey: Thomas L. Pompell
Trainer: Nason Eschete
Pedigree: By Star Guitar out of Tdz Mandycorrienda (by El Corredor)
Owner: Tony Doughtie
Analysis: A promising 4-year-old with a strong Louisiana pedigree, he could be a sleeper pick.
Sonya Knows Better
Jockey: Vicente Del-Cid
Trainer: Samuel Breaux
Pedigree: By Real Solution out of I Know Better (by Unbridled’s Song)
Owner: Rene Lavergne
Analysis: Another strong closer, he’ll need a well-timed ride to make an impact.
Calicoco
Jockey: Jose Andres Guerrero
Trainer: Shane Wilson
Pedigree: By Calibrachoa out of Chocolatesensation (by Valid Expectations)
Owner: Tye E. Smith
Analysis: A consistent performer with a solid turf record, he could be in the mix late.
Race Dynamics
The race is expected to feature a mix of early speed and late closers. Horses like Good and Stout and Tdzshininluckystar could set the pace, while strong closers like Allnight Moonlight and Sonya Knows Better will look to capitalize on a fast early tempo. The turf condition and jockey tactics will play a crucial role in determining the outcome.
Key Contenders
Allnight Moonlight: The class of the field with a proven record on turf.
Cosmic Train: Brings experience and consistency to the table.
Good and Stout: A versatile runner who could dictate the pace.
Tdzshininluckystar: A young horse with potential to upset.
