Delta Downs: 'Special' sets record

Believe Im Special set a track record at Delta Downs on Friday night when he defended his title in the $40,000 Racino Inaugural, winning by a neck over Front Nine. The five-furlong race was the opening-night stakes at the Vinton, La., track, and Believe Im Special covered the distance in 57.53 seconds. He paid $35.80.

Joyful Tune dueled through the stretch with Believe Im Special and finished third, a half-length behind Front Nine. Ricky Faul rode the winner for the partnership of Davis, Davis, and Defrates and trainer Thomas Sam.

The win was the seventh from 18 starts for Believe Im Special, who has registered six of those victories at Delta.