• Purse: $100,000
• Distance: 1 Mile (Turf)
• Surface: Turf
Eligibility: Louisiana‑bred Fillies & Mares, 3‑Years‑Old & Up
Venue & Race Details
Location
Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino 2235 Creswell Lane Extension, Opelousas, Louisiana A tight, two‑turn turf course where tactical speed is a major advantage, especially at the one‑mile distance.
Scheduled Post Time: 8:40 PM CT (Race 9)
Expected Weather & Track Conditions
Forecast: Clear skies
Temperature: ~80°F
Humidity: 70%
Wind: 5–8 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 Distaff Stakes
Morning line odds, post positions, connections, running styles, and recent form included.
Post 1 – Net a Bear (ML 2/1)
Trainer: Allen Landry Jockey: Tim Thornton Running Style: Tactical Stalker
Recent Finishes
1st – Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Turf – 1 1/16M – Firm
2nd – Red Camelia Stakes – 1M – Firm
1st – Louisiana Cup Distaff – 1 1/16M – Firm
Analysis
Net a Bear is the queen of Louisiana‑bred turf mares, a multiple stakes winner with elite consistency. She sits just behind the leaders and unleashes a powerful late kick. Thornton knows her perfectly and will save ground from the rail before tipping out in the lane.
Strengths: Class edge; ideal running style; proven over the course. Concerns: Needs a fair pace—too slow early could dull her kick.
Post 2 – Fort Polk (ML 4/1)
Trainer: Pat Mouton Jockey: C.J. McMahon Running Style: Pressing Speed
Recent Finishes
2nd – Louisiana Cup Distaff – 1 1/16M – Firm
3rd – Allowance (FG) – 1M – Firm
1st – Optional Claiming – 1M – Firm
Analysis
Fort Polk is a tough, consistent mare who sits just off the leaders and grinds away late. She’s not as flashy as Net a Bear, but she’s reliable and always gives a strong account. McMahon is excellent at rationing speed on turf.
Strengths: Tactical speed; consistency; strong connections. Concerns: Lacks the explosive finish of the favorite.
Post 3 – Cheapskate Diva (ML 9/2)
Trainer: Ron Faucheux Jockey: Jose Guerrero Running Style: Midpack / Closer
Recent Finishes
3rd – Red Camelia Stakes – 1M – Firm
1st – Allowance (EVD) – 1M – Firm
2nd – Optional Claiming – 1M – Firm
Analysis
Cheapskate Diva is improving and has shown she belongs at the stakes level. She has a strong late kick and benefits if the pace is honest. Faucheux’s barn is dangerous in Louisiana‑bred turf stakes.
Strengths: Improving; strong late pace figures. Concerns: Needs pace help; must avoid traffic.
Post 4 – Snowball (ML 6/1)
Trainer: Sam Breaux Jockey: Vicente Del‑Cid Running Style: Pressing Speed
Recent Finishes
2nd – Allowance (EVD) – 1M – Firm
4th – Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Turf – 1 1/16M – Firm
1st – Optional Claiming – 1M – Firm
Analysis
Snowball is a versatile mare who can sit just off the pace and grind away late. She’s not as consistent as the top two, but she has enough tactical speed to get a good trip. Del‑Cid is a rising star and fits her well.
Strengths: Tactical versatility; capable of a big effort. Concerns: Needs a perfect trip to win.
Post 5 – Eve’s Delight (ML 10/1)
Trainer: Karl Broberg Jockey: Joel Dominguez Running Style: Deep Closer
Recent Finishes
4th – Allowance (EVD) – 1M – Firm
3rd – Optional Claiming – 1M – Firm
5th – Louisiana Cup Distaff – 1 1/16M – Firm
Analysis
Eve’s Delight is the truest closer in the field. She needs a hot pace to set up her late run. Dominguez will drop her back early and try to make one big sweeping move. If the leaders duel, she becomes dangerous.
Strengths: Strong late kick; capable of passing tired horses. Concerns: Pace‑dependent; Evangeline’s tight turf turns work against her.
Post 6 – Lady of the Bayou (ML 12/1)
Trainer: Henry Johnson Jr. Jockey: Joe Stokes Running Style: Pace‑pressing Speed
Recent Finishes
5th – Allowance (EVD) – 1M – Firm
3rd – Maiden Special Weight – 1M – Firm
1st – Maiden Claiming – 7½F – Firm
Analysis
A longshot with some early foot, Lady of the Bayou will likely sit just outside Fort Polk. She’s game but lacks the finishing punch of the top contenders. Stokes is a strong turf rider and will try to keep her in the race early.
Strengths: Tactical speed; improving. Concerns: Needs a career‑best effort to win.
Pace Projection
Early Leaders
Fort Polk (P2) – pressing
Lady of the Bayou (P6) – pressing
Snowball (P4) – stalking close
Midpack
Net a Bear (P1)
Cheapskate Diva (P3)
Closers
Eve’s Delight (P5)
Expected Shape: Honest but not blistering. Advantage to tactical stalkers—especially Net a Bear.
Power Rankings (Projected Performance)
Net a Bear (P1) – Class + perfect setup
Fort Polk (P2) – Reliable, tactical, consistent
Cheapskate Diva (P3) – Late threat with upside
Snowball (P4) – Versatile and dangerous
Eve’s Delight (P5) – Needs pace meltdown
Lady of the Bayou (P6) – Needs big improvement
