Multiple graded stakes winner PK Pure Rogue will head the $40,000 Guaranteed Opelousas Stakes (RG3) on Saturday at Evangeline Downs.

© Jack Coady Photography

By Stallionesearch / Louanne Wainscott

OPELOUSAS, LA–OCTOBER 8, 2025—Saturday evening at Evangeline Downs promises high-stakes Quarter Horse racing as the featured $40,000 Guaranteed Opelousas Stakes (RG3) takes center stage in Race 7.

Scheduled for an approximate 8:05 PM post, the stakes event is restricted to accredited Louisiana-bred Quarter Horses aged three and older, showcasing some of the region’s most seasoned and successful sprinters.

Leading the field as the 1-1 morning line favorite is PK Pure Rogue, a proven multiple graded stakes winner who has amassed $348,135 in career earnings. The five-year-old gelding, owned by Barraza Brothers and Sons Racing, LLC, was a savvy buy at the LQHBA Yearling Sale, purchased for just $9,200. Bred in Louisiana by Phatt Kat Ranch, PK Pure Rogue is by Heza Fast Rogue and out of Kinky Boots, a mare by Agouti.

Trainer Barbara Alcantara conditions the gelding, who will break from the outside post five under regular rider Jorge J. Garcia. With 11 wins, PK Pure Rogue brings consistency, experience, and late-season form into this regional showdown.

The second choice at 2-1 is fellow five-year-old Five Bar Jess Cartel, a multiple stakes winner and earner of $193,659. Bred by Gerard Hebert, the gelding is by Five Bar Cartel and out of Jess Tempting to Fly (by Tempting Dash). Racing under the ownership of Fausto G. Mendoza, Five Bar Jess Cartel enters the contest with eight career victories and a résumé that speaks to his class in Louisiana-bred company.

Conditioned by John E. Norwood, Jr., Five Bar Jess Cartel will break from post position four, with Ubaldo Luna aboard.

The Opelousas Stakes is a late-season Louisiana Quarter Horse circuit staple and often serves as a key prep for bigger races on the horizon. With a competitive group of seasoned veterans and consistent performers, this edition is shaping up to be a thrilling battle to the wire.

The post time for Race 1 is set for 5:35 PM, and eight live races are on the card. When the gates open for the $40,000 RG3 feature, all eyes will turn to Race 7.

The Evangeline Downs races can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.