Tuckers Prize headlines the Evangeline Downs Dash on Saturday.

© Hodges Photography

By Stallionesearch / Louanne Wainscott

OPELOUSAS, LA–October 2, 2025—A competitive field of nine Quarter Horses will square off in the featured event on Saturday night’s card at Evangeline Downs, as the $20,000-guaranteed Evangeline Downs Dash Stakes headlines a seven-race program. Post time for the 250-yard dash is set for 8:05 PM CDT.

All eyes will be on the seasoned veteran Tuckers Prize, who has been installed as the 2-1 morning line favorite. A nine-year-old gelding by Fast Prize Dash out of Bb Secrets Game (by Game Patriot), Tuckers Prize enters the race off two consecutive victories, despite being winless earlier in his 2025 campaign. Trained and owned by Preston Jourdan, the multiple graded stakes winner brings a wealth of experience to the field, boasting 19 career victories and $406,190 in earnings. Bred in Louisiana by Kirby and Phillip Bruchhaus, he will break from post four under Ubaldo Luna.

Looking to challenge the favorite is rising star Ll Eysa Jess Cartel, a three-year-old gelding in sharp form after winning three straight races. Trained by Jose Sanchez for owner Eliseo Cuellar, Ll Eysa Jess Cartel has won five of eight career starts, including a berth in the Grade 1 $449,000 LQHBA Sale Futurity, and has banked $86,063 to date. The son of Carters Cartel, out of Eysa Jumpn Fast (by Heza Fast Dash), was bred in Louisiana by Lloyd J. Landry and will break from post eight with Arturo Alvarez aboard.

While these two headline the field, the Dash Stakes promises a tightly packed group with plenty of speed over the short distance. The one-turn, 250-yard sprint will test quick acceleration and clean breaks from the gate, which could determine the winner.

With a mix of proven veterans and emerging talent, the Evangeline Downs Dash Stakes is poised to deliver fireworks as the feature on an exciting Saturday evening of racing.

The Horseshoe Indianapolis races can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

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