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Evangeline Picks & Predictions — September 4, 2026

September 4, 20269 racesAll Evangeline picks

Happy Friday from Evangeline Downs, where nine races are set to go postward under partly cloudy skies and a warm 86°F. It's the kind of late-summer Louisiana afternoon where the turf course is your best friend — and today's card leans heavily in that direction, with four of the nine races contested on the grass.

The mix of claiming races, a maiden special weight, a starter optional claiming, and a pair of allowance tests gives you plenty of angles to work with, whether you're hunting value on a single race or building multi-race tickets. There's something for every level of bettor on this card, and our TrackWiz analysis has been through every number.

Best Bets

Race 1

10:30 PM EDT

Claiming · 7 1/2 fur · Turf

A clear two-horse show on paper, but the turf surface over 7½ furlongs gives closers a puncher's chance — don't let the morning line fool you into a false sense of security.

win1ArarattaML 9/5

Araratta draws the rail and enters as the heavy 9/5 favorite for good reason — a TrackWiz rating of 88.83 that towers over the rest of the field. The 25% career win rate is elite for this level, and Colby J. Hernandez is a steady presence in the irons. At 7½ furlongs on turf, a horse with this kind of rating advantage should be able to settle, find her stride, and get the job done.

place4Get Ready GalML 5/2

Get Ready Gal (5/2) has a rating of 83.48 that puts her firmly in the conversation for second money, even if the career win figure of 6% suggests she tends to find ways to get beaten at the wire. Jockey Isaac Castillo will be looking to slot her into a comfortable stalking spot, and on turf this distance she should have enough stamina to hold the place position.

show8Kindling EmbersML 6/1

Kindling Embers at 6/1 brings a 25% career win rate — matching Araratta for best in the field — and a TrackWiz rating of 76.2 that earns a legitimate spot in your exotics. Harry Hernandez gets the call for trainer Patricia G. West, and this horse looks like a live show bet that could outrun the morning line if pace scenarios develop favorably late.

Race 2

10:57 PM EDT

Claiming · 6 1/2 fur · Dirt

Three horses separated by less than five rating points at the top makes this a fascinating 6½-furlong dirt sprint — pace will be king and the closer who times it right takes the spoils.

win9Saint Peter's BayML 7/2

Saint Peter's Bay (7/2) leads our analysis with an 86.35 TrackWiz rating and a 19% career win percentage — two reliable indicators that this horse belongs at the top of the ticket. Jose Luis Rodriguez gets the mount for trainer Isai V. Gonzalez, and the combination of solid speed figures and a respectable win record suggest this isn't just a flash player. At 7/2 on the morning line, there's still decent value if the market agrees come post time.

place8AlgebraML 5/1

Algebra (5/1) is a sneaky strong play here with an 83.32 rating and an 18% career win percentage — numbers that scream dangerous front-runner or mid-pack stalker in a field this competitive. Jansen Melancon in the irons is a smart tactical rider who should maximize position from post 8, and trainer Karen E. Jacks knows how to spot horses in spots they can win.

show7Bind FaithML 5/2

Bind Faith (5/2) closes out the trifecta with an 82.29 rating and a 5/2 morning line that suggests the market already respects her, making her a reliable anchor for show tickets or exacta wheels. Casey Fusilier takes the mount under Allen Landry, and at 55 average speed figures on dirt she fits the pace profile for a race where early speed could be tested.

Race 3

11:24 PM EDT

Claiming · 1 mi · Turf

An 11-horse turf mile with spread-out talent from top to bottom — the favorite here is on the underlay side at 2/1, which opens the door for a value play at the top of the order.

win10C Mac Da BossML 5/1

C Mac Da Boss checks in with the field's highest TrackWiz rating at 84.17 and a sharp 21% career win percentage to back it up. Trainer Shane Wilson sends this horse out from post 10 with Alexander Castillo aboard, a duo that can make things work in a big field on turf. At 5/1 on the morning line, this is our best value among the top-rated horses in a race where the chalk (Red Road at 2/1) looks potentially short.

place2Red RoadML 2/1

Red Road (2/1) is the morning line favorite with a solid 78.22 rating, but the 14% career win percentage signals a horse who finishes close without always sealing the deal. Timothy Thornton has handled tougher spots, and trainer Sturges J. Ducoing keeps this one competitive — expect Red Road to be right there at the top of the stretch, making place a natural landing spot.

show4Cinco RichieML 6/1

Cinco Richie at 6/1 brings a 75.28 TrackWiz rating that puts her squarely in the mix, even with a modest 8% career win figure that suggests she needs everything to set up right. Juan P. Vargas gets a turf-friendly trip from post 4 for trainer Karen E. Jacks, and at 6/1 she's an attractive show bet that adds upside to any exotic ticket at a price worth including.

We're giving every reader a free look at the first three races, and there's already plenty to get excited about. Araratta opens the card on the turf at 9/5 on the morning line but grades out with an 88.83 TrackWiz rating — that's the highest mark among our free-race top picks and a signal she's legitimately worth the chalk. In Race 2, Saint Peter's Bay switches the action to the dirt at 6 1/2 furlongs and comes in at 7/2 — a morning line that may underestimate a horse posting an 86.35 rating. Keep an eye on that one for potential overlay value at post time.

Race 3 closes out the free portion of the card with a one-mile turf route, where C Mac Da Boss checks in at 5/1 on the line — a genuine price horse with an 84.17 rating. Longshot hunters, that's your early target. The through-line across all three free races: the turf is the surface to respect today, and our pace models suggest front-runners will be tested at these distances.

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Full Card Analysis

Race 4

11:51 PM EDT

Maiden Special Weight · 6 fur · Dirt

Maidens going six furlongs on dirt with zero career wins across the board — this is a wide-open debut-heavy affair where early speed and conditioning could separate the field quickly.

win5Last Two DollarsML 8/1

Last Two Dollars (8/1) is our top selection with a commanding 79.79 TrackWiz rating — the highest in this maiden special weight field by a meaningful margin. Isaac Castillo takes the mount for Henry B. Johnson, Jr., and at 54 average speed figures this horse profiles as one of the faster runners in a race where raw ability matters most. The 8/1 morning line makes this our best value play of the race, and a horse with this rating separation in a maiden field deserves serious attention.

place10PersuasionML 5/2

Persuasion (5/2) comes in as the morning line second choice with a 57.5 rating and the backing of trainer Shane Wilson, who also saddles Grey Strat in this race. Harry Hernandez handles the riding duties, and a 53 average speed figure puts her in the mix at a sprint distance where pace control can be the difference. As the second-highest rated horse in the field, she's a natural place contender.

show3Andrea LeeML 7/2

Andrea Lee (7/2) rounds out the ticket with a 55.83 TrackWiz rating and a respectable 53 average speed figure under trainer Joe O. Duhon, who also has Rosie's Getaway in here. Colby J. Hernandez picks up the mount, and in a maiden field with this much uncertainty, a horse rated this high with a recognized barn behind her is worth including in all your exotic tickets.

Race 5

12:18 AM EDT

Starter Optional Claiming · 5 fur · Turf

A wide-open starter optional claiming field at 5 furlongs on turf — short turf sprints can be volatile, and with double-digit starters, the pace scenario is as important as the speed figures.

win6BriterdayzaheadML 3/1

Briterdayzahead (3/1) earns the top spot on our card with an 80.53 TrackWiz rating and an outstanding 25% career win percentage — a winning rate that stands out in a field of 11. Devin H. Magnon takes the mount for trainer Jonah Fuselier, and the 56 average speed figure on turf suggests this horse has both the pace capacity and the finishing kick to handle 5 furlongs. At 3/1 the price is fair, but the form is solid enough that we're comfortable making this our win selection.

place11Ocean JackpotML 9/2

Ocean Jackpot (9/2) is a strong place candidate with a 78.78 rating and a 20% career win percentage that shows consistent competitiveness at this level. Isaac Castillo pilots the Ronnie Averett trainee from post 11, a wide draw that at a short turf sprint can actually work in your favor if pace develops on the inside. The 55 average speed figure is right in the mix, and 9/2 is a workable price for place money.

show8Echo DownML 4/1

Echo Down at 4/1 brings an eye-catching 50% career win percentage — by far the highest in this field — and a TrackWiz rating of 76.01 that makes this horse a credible show anchor. Thomas L. Pompell rides for trainer Anthony Arey, and a 55 average speed figure on this surface says the form translates. If Echo Down is anywhere near peak form, a show hit at 4/1 is a comfortable wager.

Race 6

12:46 AM EDT

Claiming · 1 mi · Dirt

One horse stands well above the rest in this one-mile dirt claiming field — the question isn't whether the favorite is the best horse, but whether the price will be worth playing.

win1Im Singled UpML 8/5

Im Singled Up (8/5) enters as the clear class of this field with an 87.79 TrackWiz rating that dwarfs everyone else — the next-best horse (Fret No More) rates 73.96, a gap that's hard to overcome at this level. Harry Hernandez gets the call for trainer Emile Schwandt, and a 20% career win percentage gives you confidence this horse can convert in spots like this one. The 8/5 morning line isn't a value price, but when the rating separation is this wide, you're paying for quality.

place8Fret No MoreML 12/1

Fret No More (12/1) is a compelling place play that the morning line dramatically undervalues — a 73.96 TrackWiz rating is legitimate second-best in this field, yet the public is being offered 12/1. Timothy Thornton handles riding duties for Sturges J. Ducoing, and a 54 average speed figure is the highest in the race. If Im Singled Up runs to form but something gets between them at the wire, this is the most likely beneficiary.

show6Megans MillionsML 5/2

Megans Millions (5/2) is the morning line second choice at 66.87 rating, which slots her as a reasonable show contender even if she lacks the top-line numbers to challenge for the win. Jose Luis Rodriguez takes the mount for Isai V. Gonzalez, and at a mile on dirt, patient riders can find late running room. Her place in the exotic sequence is as a show hedge on trifecta tickets.

Race 7

1:13 AM EDT

Allowance Optional Claiming · 1 mi · Turf

A 12-horse allowance optional claiming turf mile with legitimate talent spread throughout — the top of the order is defined, but a pair of longshot overlays beneath them make this race interesting for exotic players.

win8LammasML 3/1

Lammas (3/1) is our top selection with an 84.16 TrackWiz rating and a remarkable 33% career win percentage — a strike rate that immediately signals a horse who knows how to finish. Harry Hernandez pilots for trainer Jonathan Wong, and at 54 average speed figures on turf, Lammas profiles as a comfortable mid-pace stalker who can kick home at a mile. The 3/1 morning line makes this a playable win bet without sacrificing value.

place10FootprintML 4/1

Footprint (4/1) comes in as our place pick with a 79.2 rating and a 15% career win percentage, working with Carlos Perez aboard for trainer Juan Munoz Cano. Post 10 can be tricky in a 12-horse turf field, but Perez has the experience to navigate traffic and put this horse in a position to threaten for second late. At 4/1, the place return on a horse rated this high is worth the investment.

show4Hidden ProfitML 15/1

Hidden Profit (15/1) is the value gem on this card — a 69.58 TrackWiz rating and a staggering 31% career win percentage at morning line odds of 15/1 make this horse look dramatically overlooked. Edward Santiago rides for trainer Mikayla Ivy-Wright, and while the public may overlook this runner in a crowded 12-horse field, the win percentage alone says this horse competes. Show tickets and trifecta inclusions at 15/1 are easy to justify.

Race 8

1:40 AM EDT

Allowance · 5 1/2 fur · Dirt

A tighter allowance sprint at 5½ furlongs on dirt where the top two horses are closely matched — pace will set up quickly and whoever gets the best run early could be very tough to catch.

win3Ninth Ward Bobby OML 2/1

Ninth Ward Bobby O (2/1) tops our card with an 88.54 TrackWiz rating — the highest mark in the field — along with a 25% career win percentage that shows this horse consistently cashes tickets. Isaac Castillo takes the mount for Henry B. Johnson, Jr., a barn that clearly knows how to place horses in spots they can win. At 55 average speed figures and morning line favoritism at 2/1, this is a confident win selection even at a modest price.

place1I Got the HintML 5/2

I Got the Hint (5/2) is a rock-solid place play with a 74.83 rating and a 25% career win percentage that matches Ninth Ward Bobby O's career strike rate. Jansen Melancon is sharp at sprint distances for Allen Landry, and a 55 average speed figure puts this horse right in the speed zone at 5½ furlongs on dirt. As the second-best rated horse in the field, she's a natural complement to our win pick in exactas.

show7Mingling MoML 5/1

Mingling Mo (5/1) rounds out the show position with a 53.01 rating and a 55 average speed figure that places her right in the middle of the speed pack. Carlos Perez rides for Ronnie P. Ward, and a 16% career win percentage is respectable in allowance company. At 5/1 she's a sensible show bet and a useful trifecta fill-in, particularly if the pace favors a horse who can settle early and rally.

Race 9

2:07 AM EDT

Claiming · 1 mi · Dirt

The finale at Evangeline features a polarizing favorite in No Rematch — a horse with an elite rating but a 0% career win mark — setting up a contentious one-mile dirt closer that's perfect for trifecta hunters.

win2No RematchML 3/1

No Rematch (3/1) carries the field's top TrackWiz rating at 87.08 and the backing of Carlos Perez in the saddle for trainer Juan C. Sanchez. What makes this horse fascinating — and somewhat risky — is the 0% career win percentage, which tells us the talent is there but converting hasn't come easily. Still, when a horse rates this far above the field in a claiming mile, you have to respect the model, and 3/1 is a fair price if the win finally comes through tonight.

place7Toms Lucky MoML 4/1

Toms Lucky Mo (4/1) is our place selection with a 77.85 TrackWiz rating and Kelvin Arana aboard for trainer Shelton J. Zenon, Sr. The 4% career win rate is a flag, but much like No Rematch, this horse's place in the ticket is about rating strength relative to the field rather than raw win conversion. At a mile on dirt, Arana should be able to place this horse in a good stalking position and chase down the leaders for a piece of the pie.

show6PiastriML 5/2

Piastri (5/2) brings a 76.53 TrackWiz rating and Harry Hernandez piloting for trainer Jonas Gibson — a combination that should keep this horse competitive throughout the mile. An 11% career win percentage is modest, but the 52 average speed figure at a distance where pace can moderate means Piastri profiles as a consistent finisher. At 5/2, the show payoff may not be huge, but as the third-highest rated horse in the field, the confidence is there.

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Bottom line: this is a turf-friendly Friday card at Evangeline with legit value scattered throughout. Araratta and Ninth Ward Bobby O are the two names to know coming in, and Saint Peter's Bay deserves a serious look as a potential overlay at today's dirt prices. Unlock the full nine-race breakdown — pace angles, exotic strategies, and all — with a TrackWiz subscription at /pricing. Let's make it a profitable Friday.

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