J. D.'s Blue Bayou best in Arcadia

Bossier City, La. - J. D.'s Blue Bayou outkicked a stubborn Crawfish King in the late going to annex Sunday's Arcadia Stakes at Harrah's Louisiana Downs. Mr. Barracuda finished third followed by Inalako.

Crawfish King, making his first start since winning the Pioneer Stakes here last July, quickly sprinted out to show the way early in the six furlong sprint for Louisiana-bred 3-year-olds and was well clear after an blistering opening quarter of :21.30. Still clear after a half in :44.95, Crawfish King showed the way into the stretch and responded when the winner came along side just inside the furlong marker. The two streaked to the wire together with J. D.'s Blue Bayou proving three parts of a length the best in a time of 1:10.12 over a fast track.

Ridden by C. J. Woodley and trained by Troy Young for Valene Farms, J. D.'s Blue Bayou picked up his second stakes win this season, having also accounted for the Inaugural Handicap at Evangeline Downs in April. The son of Placid Fund has won five of his 14 starts and earned almost $141,000.

"There was a lot of speed in the race," commented Young after the race. "I thought it would set up good for my horse. The only thing we were worried about was traffic trouble, but they were pretty spread out and everything worked out beautifully."