Believe Im Special captures Bayou State

Believe Im Special added blinkers and raced much closer to the pace than usual on Saturday night when he drove to a one-length win in the $50,000 Bayou State at Delta Downs in Vinton, La. Kim's Gem finished second, two and three-quarter lengths clear of third-place finisher Mister Ajax.

Believe Im Special ($4.60) stalked pacesetter Kim's Gem through fractions of 23.32 seconds for the opening quarter in the six and a half furlong race run around two turns. The eventual winner continued to track that one through a half-mile in 47.42 seconds, and 1:13.69 or six furlongs. Believe Im Special covered the distance in 1:20.30.

Guy Smith rode the winner for trainer Thomas Sam. Believe Im Special earned $30,000 for the win, which was the 11th of his career and sixth in a stakes. He has now earned $322,228 for the partnership of Davis, Davis and Defrates.