Evangeline Downs

Alabama-breds take center stage Friday night at Evangeline Downs as 11 2-year-olds line up in the Kudzu Juvenile Stakes. Restricted to registered Alabama-breds, the Kudzu carries a $50,000 purse and will be contested at 5 1/2 furlongs.

Valid Run could be a slight favorite off a game maiden victory at Evangeline on Dec. 4. Contesting the pace throughout under Sylvester Carmouche, Valid Run, a Valid Victorious gelding, battled back after being headed in midstretch to prevail by three-quarters of a length. Valid Run is owned and trained by Darrell Jackson, who once again has given the call to Carmouche.

Trainer Larry Robideaux will send out two youngsters in the Kudzu, including first-time starter Big Fred. A Royal Empire colt, Big Fred shares the same sire, breeder, and trainer as Comalagold, a 5-year-old mare who defeated open company in the Majorette Stakes this past season at Louisiana Downs as well as winning the last two runnings of the Alabama Belle stakes for Alabama-bred fillies and mares at Louisiana Downs.

Big Fred worked a sparkling 46.80 half-mile from the gate on Dec. 4. Guy Smith will handle the riding chores.