Evangeline Picks & Predictions — August 7, 2026

Oncoming Train sits second in the ratings at 75.33 and is the morning-line favorite at 9/5, which means the market actually prefers him over our top-rated horse. Trainer Richard L. Mocklin Jr. rolls out Emanuel Nieves, and with an average speed of 54, he has the raw speed to contest the pace. He's a strong place contender and an obvious win threat if Drilling Report softens in the stretch.

Drewmazing checks in third in the TrackWiz ratings at 68.92 and is listed at a workable 7/2 morning line with Elio J. Barrera up for trainer Emile Schwandt. His average speed of 55 matches Drilling Report, suggesting he has the engine to keep up if either of the top two tires. He's a legitimate show play and worth including in trifecta tickets.

Beach Trippin rates second in the field at 79.98 and opens at 3/1 morning line — strong enough to challenge for the win, frankly. Trainer Jonah Fuselier puts Devin H. Magnon up from post 1, giving her a clean look to the rail from the start. Her 10% career win rate and average speed of 54 make her the logical complement to the favorite in exacta construction.

Running Ragged checks in third on the TrackWiz scale at 62.17 and is listed at 5/1, offering genuine show value in a double-digit field. Trainer Shelton J. Zenon Jr. sends Kelvin Arana out from post 9, which requires a clean break in a sprint, but the rating supports her as a legitimate third-place threat. She rounds out the trifecta nicely as a medium-priced option.

Taste of Freedom rates second at 78.0 and is listed at 6/1 morning line — that's a gap worth exploiting in the exotics. Trainer Isai V. Gonzalez sends out Efigenio Garcia Ruiz, and with an average speed of 53 at seven furlongs, there's plenty of ground to run. She figures to be rolling late and could catch a tiring Shinovar if the favorite goes too fast early.

Look At Me Nah rates third in the field at 70.77 and opens at 9/2 with Isaac Castillo aboard for trainer David Terre. Her average speed of 53 is consistent with the top contenders, and in a maiden race at seven furlongs, consistency can win the day. She's a natural show play and worth including in trifecta combos at a price that won't crush the payout.

Shesabeast rates a close second at 83.57 with a 21% career win rate and the top average speed in the field at 55 — she has the speed figures to press or pass the favorite. Trainer Eric Ramaekers and jockey Isaac Castillo make for a capable combination at Evangeline. She's our best value in the exacta and a real threat to beat Lady of the Nile outright if the pace scenario sets up right.

Maylen slots in third on the TrackWiz ratings at 78.14 and opens at 6/1 with Elio J. Barrera aboard for trainer George Leonard III. Her 14% career win rate is lower than the top contenders, but the rating says she belongs, and in a ten-horse turf field with early pressure likely, closers can sneak into the exotics. She's a solid trifecta addition at a fair price.

Pericles rates a very close second at 57.5 and lands at 5/2 morning line, which makes him nearly as short as the favorite — the market clearly respects him. Trainer Lee Thomas sends out Thomas L. Pompell, and an average speed of 55 is the second-best in the field, meaning he has the raw numbers to challenge Apollo's Fury through the stretch. This is a true match race at the top, and Pericles is worth a win bet as well.

Moonlight Max checks in third on the ratings at 54.17 with a field-best average speed of 55, which is an intriguing combination for a maiden sprint. Isaac Castillo takes the mount for trainer Alan Klanfer, and at 9/2 morning line, he's a fair price to land in the exotics. If the two favorites hook up early and tire, Moonlight Max could pick up the pieces.

Paradise Ridge rates second in the field at 76.27 with an average speed of 55 and opens at 4/1 morning line — representing solid value relative to her ability. C.J. McMahon takes the mount for trainer Richard L. Mocklin Jr., a pairing that's been active on this card. Her 10% career win rate is modest, but the speed figures suggest she can press the favorite all the way to the wire.

Complete Wrap is a fascinating show play — her TrackWiz rating of 55.83 doesn't scream contender, but a 42% career win rate is a legitimately eye-catching number that suggests she consistently competes well. Trainer Allen Landry sends Jansen Melancon out from post 4, and in a seven-horse field, post position is manageable. She's the kind of horse that outperforms her figures and could steal a piece of this at 6/1.

Bind Faith is the morning-line favorite at 9/5 and rates second on our numbers at 72.01, so the market and our model are reasonably aligned here. Trainer Allen Landry sends Casey Fusilier out from post 1, a favorable inside draw in a five-furlong sprint. Her average speed of 55 keeps her honest, and even if Storm Sniper beats her, she should be fighting for second money.

Wild Bert opens at 10/1 morning line despite a 47.53 TrackWiz rating that places him squarely in the conversation for the minor awards. His 17% career win rate and average speed of 55 make him a legitimate longshot who could sneak into the trifecta if the pace gets hot up front. Carlos Perez rides for trainer Ronnie Averett — the same barn running Black Sword — and that stable familiarity with the track adds a small edge.