Evangeline Downs will host an 11 race card packed with nine stakes on Saturday night.

© Evangeline Downs

OPELOUSAS, LA –DECEMBER 18, 2024–The $1,000,000 LQHBA Louisiana Million (RG1) is the featured event on the Saturday night card at Evangeline Downs.   The race over 400 yards is the final event on an 11-race card packed with nine stake races (see related stakes previews).

San Lorenzo Chrome has been installed as the 2-1 morning line favorite in the Million.  Trained by Jeremy Derozin, the colt is undefeated in three career starts and will have Arturo Alvarez in the irons and breaks from post 9.

Gold Gun Z, winner of the Laddie Futurity (RG2) at Delta Downs, is the 5/2 second-choice on the morning line.  The Jose Espinosa-trainee has not missed the board in his five career starts and breaks from post 10 with James Flores in the saddle.  Other trial heat winners in the field include Perry Midnight Train, Apolitical Chick, You Fly I Buy and Beleavin.

The $321,635 EVD Futurity at 400 yards kicks off the late double as race 10 on the card.  Kiss My Maruska, trained by Juan Diaz, Jr. and ridden by Victor Manuel Urieta, Jr., has been tabbed as the favorite.  With over $500,000 earned this year, he has not missed the board in nine starts.

Kempton, a five-time winner this year, and Seis Chilitos, six wins from nine starts, are key contenders in the Futurity.  Flyin Chilitos, Eagles Up and Peppa were all victorious in their respective trial heats.

The $100,000-added LQHBA Derby (RG3) at 400 yards will go as race eight on the card.  The field includes 2023 Million winner Special Wild Train B.  The Knockout Power and One Sweet Sugar both put in sharp efforts in trial heat wins and are logical contenders.  Heza Rip and Rogue Fast Dash might draw some attention at the windows with upset chances.

The first of the stake race on the card is the $35,000 Laverne Perry Stakes at the distance of 250 yards in race three.  The race is named for the former Executive Director of the LQHBA.  Onemorewildtrain is the 5/2 morning line favorite.  Geaux Party Geaux, Goat Wagon and TF Jess a Eagle are recent winners at the current meet and could draw some attention from the wagering public.

The fourth race on the card is the $50,000 LQHBA Million Invitational.  The race for horses that did not qualify for the Million is at the distance of 400 yards.  Ajs Louisiana Chick is listed as the 5/2 favorite, having hit the board in five of eight starts this year.  TC Scootin Aces has two solid starts at the meet, while Estrellas Blue Jess and MDA Demand by TLC were each trial heat winners.

The $103,390 EVD Derby goes as race 5 on the card.  Shiny Nova was an impressive winner in his trial heat and is the 2-1 morning line choice for the 400-yard race.  Apollitical Ike won the other trial heat for the Derby and these two look to take most of the attention at the windows.

The first of three Louisiana Champions Day stake races goes as the sixth race on the night.  The $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile (RG2) will be contested over the distance of 350 yards.  San Lorenzo Princess, upset as the 3/5 favorite in her trial heat for the Million, will look to get back on the winning track.  Uuzzii and Paint Me Onis are among the runners looking to capture their first stake win.

Race seven is the $100,000-guaranteed Louisiana Champions Day Derby (RG3) at the distance of 400 yards.  Gbh Fiscal Tony brings a two-race win streak into the contest.  Apolitcal Queen, Moonin Princess and Imflyingbyyou are part of an evenly matched bunch.

The $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic (RG2) makes up the final stake race on the card.  Slated as race eight, the Classic is a battle over the distance of 440 yards.  One Sweet Boss is a recent winner at the meet and is listed as the 5/2 morning line favorite.  One Dashing Dove, Patty Wagon Train and Pk Pure Rogue are among the main challengers.

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The final Family Night of the season will take place on Saturday.  Face painting, balloon animals, a roaming magician, and food truck vendors will be a fun addition to the evening.

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LQHBA will sponsor a $25,000 scholarship giveaway, with six $2,500 and two $5,000 gifts to be awarded in a random drawing.   Registration begins at 4:00 pm at the table located in the grandstand on the main floor and closes after the sixth race. 

Louisiana high school seniors graduating in 2024 or students currently enrolled at a Louisiana college or university are eligible. 

The drawings will occur after the seventh and ninth races (at approximately 6:55, 7:55, and 8:55 p.m.), and entrants must be present to win.
 

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About Evangeline Downs Racetrack& Casino
Encompassing over 750 acres, Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation, features over 39,000 square feet of casino space as well a racetrack that boasts state-of-the-art facilities with a 7/8-mile turf track and a one-mile main track. The casino includes over 1,000 slot and video poker machines, two dining options, and plenty of meeting space, including track-side private club suites. Evangeline Downs also includes a newly opened FanDuel Sportsbook. For more information, visit www.evangelinedowns.com and connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Founded in 1975, Boyd Gaming Corporation is a leading geographically diversified operator of 28 gaming entertainment properties in 10 states and manager of a tribal casino in northern California. The Company is also a strategic partner and 5% equity owner of FanDuel Group, the nation's leading sports-betting operator.