Evangeline Downs presents a nine-race card on Thursday, August 21, 2025, with the first post scheduled for 5:30 PM. The Lafayette, Louisiana track continues its live thoroughbred racing season with a mix of claiming races and maiden events featuring purses ranging from $10,000 to $13,000.
Racing returns to the heart of Cajun country with typical late summer conditions expected to impact the racing surface and horse performance throughout the evening card.
Weather Forecast and Track Conditions
The weather forecast for Lafayette shows partly cloudy skies with temperatures reaching 88-90°F during racing hours. There is a 25-30% chance of afternoon or evening thunderstorms, with winds from the north at 5-10 mph. The humidity level remains elevated as typical for Louisiana in late August.
Current track conditions report the dirt surface as fast. The temporary rail has been set at 20 feet for several races according to late change reports. All turf races have been moved to the dirt surface due to recent weather conditions.
Race-by-Race Analysis
Race 2 – Claiming 5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt $13,000
Race 2 presents a competitive $5,000 claiming sprint for three-year-old and up geldings, colts, and horses over 5.5 furlongs on the dirt track. With a $13,000 purse, this race has drawn a full field of nine horses showing varied experience levels and recent form patterns. The claiming level suggests competitive balance, with several horses showing the ability to compete effectively at this class.
Field Analysis
Top Contenders
Z Star (Post 2, 2/1 Morning Line Favorite)
Samuel Breaux sends out this lightly raced gelding with CJ McMahon taking the assignment. Despite having only four career starts, Z Star shows impressive consistency with a 25% win rate and remarkable 75% in-the-money percentage while earning $15,310. His “mid pack leads” running style positions him perfectly for the tactical speed required in this sprint distance. Recent form includes a solid second-place finish at five furlongs on dirt at Evangeline Downs, followed by a victory at six furlongs on the same surface. His ability to show early speed while maintaining enough for the stretch drive makes him the logical favorite.
One More Sleep (Post 9, 5/2 Second Choice)
Ray Robbins trains this veteran campaigner who brings extensive experience with $87,295 in career earnings from 29 starts. Carlos Lozada rides this “fast leader” who shows a solid 10% win rate and impressive 62% in-the-money percentage. Recent form demonstrates current sharpness with consecutive place finishes, including a second at five furlongs and third-place efforts at both five and 5.5 furlongs on dirt at Evangeline Downs. His early speed from the outside post could prove decisive if he can control the pace from the start.
Trippin On Beauty (Post 3, 4/1 Third Choice)
Antonio Alberto conditions this experienced gelding who carries the highest career earnings in the field at $34,400 from nine starts. Elio J Barrera, showing strong recent statistics, takes the mount on this “fastest closer.” Recent form includes consecutive runner-up finishes at six and seven furlongs, suggesting he’s hitting peak form. His closing style could benefit from expected early pace pressure between Z Star and One More Sleep.
Secondary Contenders
Half Guilty (Post 7, 6/1 Morning Line)
Ronnie P Ward trains this consistent performer who shows $72,560 in career earnings from 12 starts. Thomas L Pompell rides this “fast closer” whose recent victory at six furlongs on dirt followed by a seventh-place finish suggests he remains competitive at this level. His 25% in-the-money percentage indicates he finds ways to hit the board regularly, making him a viable exotic play.
A Thousand Arrows (Post 5, 12/1 Morning Line)
Shane Wilson sends out this lightly raced colt who presents intriguing value despite limited experience. With only three career starts producing a perfect 100% in-the-money record including one victory, he shows significant potential. Filemon T Rodriguez takes the assignment on this “fast leads” type whose recent victory at six furlongs on dirt demonstrates current ability. The morning line odds appear generous for a horse with such a consistent early record.
Longshot Possibilities
My Chulupa (Post 1, 10/1 Morning Line)
Gerard Perron trains this improving gelding who shows a strong 25% win rate from limited starts. Casey Fusilier rides this “mid pack stalker” whose recent victory at 5.5 furlongs on this track suggests he’s found his preferred distance and surface combination. The rail draw provides tactical advantages, and his consistent in-the-money record makes him a potential surprise at generous odds.
Knight’s Gold (Post 8, 15/1 Morning Line)
James Benoit conditions this veteran campaigner whose recent victory at 5.5 furlongs demonstrates he can still compete effectively at this claiming level. Kelvin Arana takes the mount on this “slowest deep” runner whose 30% in-the-money percentage suggests he finds ways to contribute to exotic payoffs.
Pace Analysis
The race setup strongly favors early speed types with both Z Star and One More Sleep likely to contest the early lead. A Thousand Arrows could also show early foot, creating potentially strong early fractions that may set up closers like Trippin On Beauty and Half Guilty. The 5.5-furlong distance allows little room for tactical errors, making the break from the gate and early positioning crucial.
Z Star’s tactical speed advantage from the inside post positions him well to track or contest the early pace while maintaining enough for the stretch drive. One More Sleep’s outside post requires him to use more early energy to secure favorable position, potentially playing into the hands of stalkers and closers.
Wagering Strategy
Win Bet Focus: Z Star offers the best combination of recent form, tactical advantage, and professional connections despite morning line favoritism.
Value Overlay: A Thousand Arrows represents excellent each-way value at 12/1 given his perfect early record and natural early speed that fits the race flow.
Upset Special: My Chulupa from the rail at 10/1 could provide significant returns if he repeats his recent winning form at this exact distance and track.
Exacta Strategy: Key Z Star on top with One More Sleep, Trippin On Beauty, and A Thousand Arrows for comprehensive coverage of the most probable finishing combinations.
Trifecta Play: Use Z Star and One More Sleep in the first two spots with deeper coverage including Half Guilty, My Chulupa, and A Thousand Arrows for potentially lucrative payoffs.
The competitive claiming level and varied running styles create ideal conditions for exotic wagering, with multiple horses showing legitimate chances at attractive price points. The sprint distance and expected pace scenario should produce an exciting finish with several horses capable of factoring in the outcome.
Race 3 – Claiming 5F turf $16,000
Race 3 at Evangeline Downs features a competitive $15,000 claiming event for three-year-old and up mares and fillies over five furlongs. Originally scheduled for the turf course, this race has been moved to the main dirt track due to track conditions, which could significantly impact the outcome. The $16,000 purse has attracted a full field of ten fillies and mares, creating an intriguing betting proposition with multiple legitimate contenders.
Field Analysis
Top Contenders
Cajun Cattitude (Post 2, 5/2 Morning Line Favorite)
Allen Landry sends out this promising filly with Carlos Perez in the saddle. Despite having only six career starts, she boasts an impressive 33% win rate and a perfect 100% in-the-money record, having hit the board in every single start. Her recent victory in a five-furlong turf race at Evangeline Downs demonstrates current sharpness, and her “fast closer” running style should benefit from the expected pace scenario. Career earnings of $37,250 indicate consistent competitive ability, and the surface switch from turf to dirt may not significantly impact her chances given her versatile record.
Gold Plus (Post 4, 3/1 Second Choice)
This Keith G Bourgeois-trained mare brings veteran Timothy Thornton aboard for what appears to be a key assignment. With $78,910 in career earnings from 14 starts, she represents solid class and experience. Her recent second-place finish in a 5.5-furlong dirt race followed by a victory in a five-furlong dirt event suggests she’s hitting peak form at the right time. As a “fast leader,” Gold Plus could dictate terms from the outset, and her 57% in-the-money percentage reflects consistent competitiveness at this level.
Millie’s Stardust (Post 3, 4/1 Third Choice)
Justin Jeansonne conditions this consistent performer who carries the highest career earnings in the field at $74,950. With Carlos Lozada taking the assignment, this filly brings a solid 20% win rate and 50% in-the-money percentage from 10 career starts. Her recent victory in a five-furlong turf race at Evangeline Downs followed by a sixth-place finish at a longer distance suggests five furlongs represents her optimal trip. Her “mid pack stalker” style positions her well to benefit from pace pressure while maintaining striking position.
Live Longshots
Quinquela (Post 7, 9/2 Morning Line)
Henry West Jr. trains this intriguing filly who shows a strong 25% win rate and 50% in-the-money percentage from 12 career starts. With $122,085 in earnings, she brings proven class to this claiming level. Cole Meche takes the mount on this “fastest closer” whose recent form includes a third-place finish over six furlongs on dirt. Her closing kick could prove decisive if pace develops favorably, making her an attractive overlay candidate at morning line odds.
Wicked Sailor (Post 10, 6/1 Morning Line)
Randy Degeyter Jr. sends out this consistent performer with Jansen Melancon aboard. Despite the outside post position, her 20% win rate and impressive 60% in-the-money percentage suggest she finds ways to compete effectively. Recent form includes a victory in a five-furlong dirt race at Evangeline Downs, indicating current sharpness. Her “fast closer” style mirrors that of the favorite, potentially setting up an exciting stretch duel.
Secondary Considerations
Custom Punch (Post 8, 10/1 Morning Line)
Keith G Bourgeois also trains this filly, creating stable entry dynamics with Gold Plus. Joel Dominguez’s strong 19% win rate and 42% in-the-money percentage provide professional rider support. With $116,650 in career earnings, she brings class but recent form suggests she may need the race fitness.
Thisoneisforyou (Post 6, 8/1 Morning Line)
Carrol Castille’s trainee carries Casey Fusilier and shows solid recent efforts including a third-place finish at 5.5 furlongs on dirt. Her 8% win rate and 58% in-the-money percentage indicate consistent competitiveness, though the morning line suggests she may be overlooked by casual handicappers.
Pace Analysis
The race setup strongly favors closers and stalkers with Gold Plus likely to establish early fractions as the lone speed type. Custom Punch may also show early foot, but the majority of the field prefers to come from behind. This scenario should create moderate early fractions with a strong stretch kick being decisive. The surface change from turf to dirt eliminates some variables but may favor horses with proven dirt form.
Cajun Cattitude’s closing style perfectly matches the expected pace flow, while Quinquela and Wicked Sailor could benefit from similar tactical approaches. The key will be positioning entering the stretch run, as five furlongs allows little time for recovery from poor trips.
Wagering Strategy
Win Bet Focus: Cajun Cattitude offers the best combination of current form, tactical advantage, and professional connections at reasonable morning line odds.
Value Overlay: Quinquela at 9/2 represents excellent each-way value given her class advantage and tactical fit for the race setup.
Exacta Strategy: Key Cajun Cattitude on top with Gold Plus, Millie’s Stardust, and Quinquela for solid coverage of the most probable scenarios.
Longshot Special: Wicked Sailor at 6/1 could provide exotic value if she overcomes the outside post and benefits from pace pressure.
The claiming level and competitive balance make this race ideal for exotic wagering, with multiple horses showing legitimate chances at varying price points. The surface change adds an element of uncertainty that could create value opportunities for astute handicappers willing to dig deeper into dirt form patterns.
Race 5 – Claiming 5 Furlongs turf $18,000
Race 5 presents a competitive $12,500 claiming event for three-year-old and up geldings and colts originally scheduled for five furlongs on the turf course. Due to track conditions, this race has been moved to the main dirt track, creating an intriguing handicapping puzzle. The $18,000 purse has attracted a quality field of nine horses, with several showing recent form that suggests they can handle the surface switch effectively.
Field Analysis
Top Contenders
Girlie’s Max (Post 7, 5/2 Morning Line Favorite)
Juan A Larrosa sends out this promising gelding with Carlos Perez taking the assignment. Despite having only six career starts, this horse shows impressive consistency with a 17% win rate and 33% in-the-money percentage while earning $55,380. His “fastest stalker” running style positions him perfectly for this competitive sprint, and his recent form includes a third-place finish in a six-furlong dirt race at Evangeline Downs. The combination of tactical speed and proven dirt form makes him the logical choice despite the morning line favoritism.
Sunny Sassicaia (Post 9, 9/4 Second Choice)
Lee Thomas conditions this experienced gelding who brings solid credentials with $47,570 in career earnings from 13 starts. Jose Luis Rodriguez, showing strong recent form with 31% wins and 38% in-the-money percentage, takes the mount. This horse’s “mid pack deep” running style could prove advantageous if early pace develops favorably. Recent turf form at Evangeline Downs includes a third-place finish over five furlongs, suggesting he maintains current sharpness despite the surface change.
Custom Cadillac (Post 1, 3/1 Third Choice)
L Jay Cuccia trains this veteran campaigner who leads the field in career earnings with $137,100 from 19 starts. Colby J Hernandez rides this “fast leader” who should dictate early terms from the rail position. Recent form shows consistent competitiveness in dirt sprints at Evangeline Downs, including a fourth-place finish in his last start over six furlongs. His early speed could prove decisive if he can control fractions from the advantageous inside post.
Live Longshots
Leaving Shadows (Post 3, 5/1 Morning Line)
Allen Landry sends out this lightly raced gelding who presents intriguing value despite having only two career starts. With a perfect record of one win and one second-place finish, he shows 50% win rate and 100% in-the-money percentage while earning $16,200. Jansen Melancon takes the assignment on this “mid pack leader” whose recent victory came over 5.5 furlongs at Louisiana Downs. The lack of extensive racing history creates uncertainty, but his limited evidence suggests significant ability.
American Guy (Post 4, 14/1 Morning Line)
Samuel Breaux conditions this improving gelding who scored a victory in his most recent start over 5.5 furlongs on dirt at Evangeline Downs. Elio J Barrera rides this “slowest closer” whose 25% win rate from four starts suggests he’s finding his best form. Career earnings of $12,600 indicate modest previous accomplishments, but his recent breakthrough suggests he could surprise at generous odds in this competitive field.
Secondary Considerations
Leisurely (Post 2, 9/1 Morning Line)
Daniel R Cangemi trains this gelding who shows solid recent form including a third-place finish over five furlongs on turf at Louisiana Downs. Julio Ramirez Jr takes the mount on this “slowest stalker” whose 10% win rate and $44,300 in career earnings suggest consistent competitiveness. The surface change from turf to dirt creates some uncertainty, but his versatile record indicates he can handle different conditions.
Patek (Post 6, 19/1 Morning Line)
This veteran campaigner brings extensive experience with $60,480 in career earnings from 15 starts. Chris R Rosier rides this “slower stalker” whose recent form includes a third-place finish over five furlongs on dirt at Evangeline Downs. His 47% in-the-money percentage suggests he finds ways to hit the board consistently, though his 7% win rate indicates victories come infrequently.
Pace Analysis
The race setup strongly favors horses with tactical speed and stalking ability. Custom Cadillac should establish early lead from the rail, potentially creating moderate fractions that allow stalkers like Girlie’s Max to remain within striking distance. The presence of several closers including American Guy and Sunny Sassicaia suggests late pace could be strong, making positioning entering the stretch crucial.
The surface change from turf to dirt eliminates some variables while potentially favoring horses with proven dirt form. Girlie’s Max and Custom Cadillac both show recent success on the main track, giving them tactical advantages over horses making the surface transition.
Wagering Strategy
Win Bet Focus: Girlie’s Max offers the best combination of current form, tactical advantage, and professional connections despite morning line favoritism.
Value Overlay: Leaving Shadows represents excellent each-way value at 5/1 given his perfect record and potential for continued improvement.
Longshot Special: American Guy at 14/1 could provide significant returns if he repeats his recent winning effort and benefits from expected pace pressure.
Exacta Strategy: Key Girlie’s Max on top with Sunny Sassicaia, Custom Cadillac, and Leaving Shadows for comprehensive coverage of the most probable finishing combinations.
Trifecta Play: Use Girlie’s Max and Sunny Sassicaia in the first two spots with deeper coverage including American Guy and Leisurely for potentially lucrative payoffs.
The competitive claiming level and surface change create ideal conditions for value-oriented handicappers willing to dig deeper into recent form patterns and running style matchups. Multiple horses show legitimate winning chances at varying price points, making exotic wagering particularly attractive for this evening feature.
Race 7 – Claiming 6 Furlongs dirt $22,000
Race 7 at Evangeline Downs presents a competitive $20,000 claiming sprint for three-year-old and up geldings and colts over six furlongs on the dirt track. With a purse of $22,000, this evening feature race has drawn a field of ten seasoned campaigners, several showing recent form that suggests they could factor prominently in the outcome.
Field Analysis
Top Contenders
Mongolian Champ (Post 4, 3/1 Morning Line)
Trained by Jonathan Wong and ridden by Elio J Barrera, this gelding enters with solid credentials including $64,820 in career earnings from 16 starts. His profile as the “fastest stalker” in the field suggests he can press early pace while maintaining enough tactical speed for the stretch drive. Wong’s 45% win rate and 72% in-the-money percentage with runners gives this horse strong professional backing. Recent form shows a second-place finish at Louisiana Downs over 6.5 furlongs on dirt, indicating readiness for today’s distance.
Angelic Knight (Post 1, 5/2 Morning Line)
Despite a modest 6% career win rate from 17 starts, this David Terre trainee has shown consistency with 53% in-the-money finishes and career earnings of $136,170. Juan P Vargas takes the mount on this mid-pack stalker who finished second in his most recent six-furlong effort at Evangeline Downs. The rail draw provides tactical options, and his recent form suggests he’s found his preferred distance and surface combination.
Yankeestrolgy (Post 10, 9/2 Morning Line)
Samuel Breaux conditions this gelding who has earned $66,120 from nine career starts with an 11% win rate and impressive 56% in-the-money percentage. Colby J Hernandez, showing 14% wins from 83 recent mounts, takes the assignment. Listed as a “fast deep” runner, this horse’s style suggests he can overcome the outside post position if pace develops favorably. His third-place finish in a recent six-furlong dirt race at Evangeline Downs demonstrates current form.
Secondary Contenders
Hold My Hat (Post 2, 6/1 Morning Line)
This Carrol Castille trainee brings solid credentials with $110,300 in career earnings and an 8% win rate from 12 starts. Timothy Thornton, riding at a strong 26% clip, provides veteran guidance. As a designated “fast closer,” this gelding could benefit from expected early pace pressure. His recent seventh-place finish followed a victory, suggesting he remains competitive at this level.
Cool Guitar (Post 5, 10/1 Morning Line)
Allen Landry sends out this lightly raced gelding with Carlos Perez aboard. Despite only eight career starts, he’s already earned $87,850 with a 12% win rate. His “fast closer” running style mirrors that of Hold My Hat, potentially setting up a stretch duel if both horses get favorable trips.
Longshot Possibilities
Deal Of Faith (Post 7, 12/1 Morning Line)
Yovani Munoz conditions this gelding who shows a solid 62% in-the-money rate despite modest earnings of $33,650. Sergio Munoz takes the mount on this “mid pack leader” whose recent form includes a second-place finish. At 12/1 morning line odds, he represents potential value if the pace scenario develops favorably.
Sir Mack (Post 8, 15/1 Morning Line)
Trained by Denise Schmidt and ridden by Jansen Melancon, this gelding shows a perfect record in his limited recent starts with 25% wins and 25% in-the-money from four career efforts. His recent victory at Louisiana Downs over six furlongs on dirt suggests he’s improving and could surprise at generous odds.
Pace Analysis
The race setup favors horses with tactical speed and closing ability. With multiple stalkers and closers in the field, early pace should be moderate to strong, potentially setting up late-running types. Mongolian Champ’s stalking style positions him well to track the early pace while remaining within striking distance for the stretch run.
The presence of several “fast closers” including Hold My Hat and Cool Guitar suggests the race could develop into a spirited stretch duel, making pace handicapping crucial for exotic wagers.
Wagering Strategy
Win Bet Focus: Mongolian Champ offers the best combination of recent form, professional connections, and tactical speed for the distance.
Value Play: Yankeestrolgy at 9/2 morning line provides solid each-way value given his consistent in-the-money record and ability to overcome wide post positions.
Exotic Considerations: The competitive nature of this claiming race makes it ideal for exacta and trifecta wagering, with multiple horses showing legitimate winning chances at varying price points.
Suggested Exacta: Key Mongolian Champ on top with Angelic Knight, Yankeestrolgy, and Hold My Hat underneath for solid coverage of the most likely scenarios.
The race presents excellent opportunities for handicappers willing to dig deeper into recent form cycles and running style matchups, with several horses showing the class and current condition needed to compete effectively at this claiming level.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Leading riders at the current Evangeline Downs meet include several experienced pilots familiar with the track’s characteristics. T. Thornton appears on multiple favored mounts according to recent race cards. C. Perez has shown consistent form with both win and place finishes on competitive horses.
J. Florian continues to demonstrate strong tactical awareness, particularly effective on horses requiring patient rides before making their moves. A. Landry has shown particular success with claiming-level horses that respond to aggressive riding styles.
Trainer Notes and Insights
A. Ramirez-Rodriguez has multiple entries throughout the card and maintains horses in sharp form for the claiming ranks.
S. Breaux has shown consistent ability to have horses ready for peak performances in competitive spots. J. Melancon continues to excel with horses stepping up in class or returning from brief layoffs.
B. A. Brinkman has demonstrated success with horses making equipment changes or surface switches, often finding the right spots for improved efforts.
Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Given the competitive nature of claiming races that dominate the card, handicappers should focus on recent form and track-specific performance patterns. Horses showing consistent speed figures on similar surfaces often provide the most reliable wagering opportunities.
The fast track condition favors horses with natural early speed, though the longer distances in several races may allow for effective late-running tactics. Weather concerns could create value opportunities if casual bettors avoid horses that have previously performed well on wet or sealed tracks.
Exacta and trifecta wagering appear most profitable in the claiming races where competitive balance creates multiple viable contenders. Daily double opportunities exist between consecutive races featuring similar claiming levels.
Value plays may emerge from horses dropping significantly in claiming price or making their first starts for new connections. Maiden races often present longshot opportunities when first-time starters show strong morning workout patterns.
