Yes He Can has hope against older rivals in Evangeline feature

Yes He Can will be facing older rivals for the first time Thursday night when he starts as the probable favorite in the featured sixth race at Evangeline Downs.

He goes in a first-level allowance for 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs. The card also includes a nonwinners-of-two allowance at a mile that is for 3-year-olds and up bred in Louisiana.

Yes He Can is coming off a runner-up finish in an entry-level allowance for 3-year-olds on June 18 at Evangeline Downs. He set a pressured pace and was second by a neck in the 6 1/2-furlong race. For the effort, he earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 73.

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Trainer Bret Calhoun said it’s a new challenge facing older rivals Thursday.

“Last time he ran it was a straight 3-year-old race, so obviously that’s a little bit of a concern,” he said. “I’d love to see him come back in the same group as last time. This is a step up in class.

“I thought he ran very well last time. He did everything but win. Hopefully, he’ll continue to move forward. He’ll have to, to beat older horses. It does seem like he’s getting better.”

Yes He Can is a son of the Into Mischief stallion Can the Man. He is owned by his breeder, Allied Racing Stables. C.J. McMahon, who was aboard last time, has the mount from the rail. Yes He Can faces six others Thursday.

“He’s pretty quick, and I’m sure being stuck down inside we’ll have to try to get out there and be a little aggressive early,” Calhoun said.

Yes He Can will be making the third start of his form cycle Thursday.

The chief threat appears to be Broadway Ice, a five-time winner coming off a runner-up finish in a $5,000 starter allowance that carried an optional claiming price of $10,000 on July 22 at Evangeline.

He was cutting back from two turns for the 5 1/2-furlong race and closed from next to last to finish a half-length behind the winner. The Beyer Figure of 77 that Broadway Ice earned is the best last-race number in the field Thursday.

Tim Thornton has the mount from post 4 for trainer Isai Gonzalez.

Drilling Report will get good support in the Louisiana-bred allowance off a 7 1/4-length maiden special weight win July 18 at Evangeline. The score came at the same mile trip he will travel Thursday, and the 74 Beyer he earned is the best career number in the field.

Gerard Melancon has the mount from the rail for Wildcat Racing Stable and trainer Jay Cuccia.

Drilling Report is a son of My Pal Charlie.

◗ Stall applications for the Thoroughbred meet at Delta Downs are due Monday. Delta is the sister track of Evangeline.