EVD Dash Stakes Highlights Opening Weekend At Evangeline Downs

The opening weekend of the Evangeline Downs meet will kick off Friday and Saturday, with first post set for 5:35 p.m. both evenings. Saturday’s program will feature the first stakes action of the new meet, as a field of six lines up for the $20,000 EVD Dash Stakes.

Scheduled as the sixth race on the card, the EVD Dash Stakes will feature a field of six 3-year-olds and older, each racing 250 yards in a quick test of speed. The field is expected to load into the gate at approximately 7:40 p.m.

LM President Cartel is the 8-5 morning-line favorite, leading the field. The 3-year-old gelding has been a model of consistency this season, hitting the board in each of his four starts, including a runner-up finish in the $50,000 Nag Nest Stakes. He enters Saturday’s contest with three career victories, two second-place finishes, and earnings of $63,380.

Louisiana homebred LM President Cartel is by The Louisiana Cartel and out of the Red Storm Cat mare Delightful Cat. He was bred by Luis Rosales Martinez, Jr., who also owns and trains him. He will be saddled by Martinez from the outside post six with jockey Eddi E. Martinez aboard.

Carry On Moon provides a strong challenge as the 5-2 second choice on the morning line. The 4-year-old gelding already has a stakes victory this season, having captured the $20,000 Delta Dash Stakes. His most recent appearance could set the stage for an intriguing rematch Saturday, as Carry On Moon finished second in an allowance contest to LM President Cartel.

Carry On Moon has compiled three victories, four second-place finishes, and three third-place finishes during his career, earning $77,470 for owners Jason and Pamela Belk Lovern.

The son of Moonin The Eagle, out of the Game Patriot mare Carry On Game, was bred in Louisiana by Gerald Vidrine and Tommy Fontenot. Trainer David Bustamante will send him from post two, with jockey Pedro C. Espinosa aboard.

With the gates opening for another season of racing at Evangeline Downs, Saturday night brings stakes competition into the spotlight without delay. The 250-yard EVD Dash Stakes promises a fast, competitive showdown, as LM President Cartel and Carry On Moon renew their rivalry. A field of six looks to secure the first stakes victory of the meet.

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

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