OPELOUSAS – Louisiana-bred thoroughbreds will be in the winner’s circle this Saturday night at Evangeline Downs.
The local horse track hosts its annual Louisiana Legends Night — a 10-race program that will feature eight stakes races, including a $50,000 All-Stakes Pick Four, which will cover races four through seven on the card.
The first post time for Louisiana Legends Night is set for 5:50 p.m.
The races featured in the All-Stakes Pick Four will be the $75,000 Soiree for 3-year-old fillies at one mile on the main track, the $50,000 Distaff Starter for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and up at seven furlongs on the main track, the $75,000 Cheval for 3-year-olds at one mile on the main track, and the $75,000 Turf Distaff for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and up at one mile on the turf.
The Turf Distaff features 3-1 morning-line favorite, Special Blessing, who has already scored a stakes victory this season in the $75,000 Evangeline Downs Distaff on April 26.
Special Blessing though is not the only previous stakes winner this season returning for Legends Night. Fortune Got Even won the $75,000 Equine Sales Oaks on May 3 and is 7-2 in the Soiree and Power Jet took the $75,000 Equine Sales Derby on May 4 and is 9-2 in the Cheval.
In addition to the racing action, the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association will be awarding two $1,000 scholarships to eligible registered college students following the fifth race on Saturday night. Students must be present to win and have their college identification and photo identification with them, be enrolled in college full-time for Fall 2019, and be in good standing with their college or university. For more information on the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association, visit www.louisianabred.com.
The eight stakes races that comprise Louisiana Legends Night at Evangeline Downs are as follows:
Race 2 – $75,000 Mademoiselle- 3-year-olds and up Fillies & Mares- 5 ½ Furlongs
Race 4 – $75,000 Soiree- 3-year-old Fillies- 1 Mile
Race 5 – $50,000 Distaff Starter- 3-year-olds and up Fillies & Mares- 7 Furlongs
Race 6 – $75,000 Cheval- 3-year-olds- 1 Mile
Race 7 – $75,000 Turf Distaff- 3-year-olds and up Fillies & Mares- 1 Mile (TURF)
Race 8 – $75,000 Sprint- 3-year-olds and up- 5 ½ Furlongs
Race 9 – $75,000 Turf- 3-year-olds and up- 1 1/16 Miles (TURF)
Race 10 – $50,000 Starter- 3-year-olds and up- 1 1/16 Miles