J. D.'s Blue Bayou wins Inaugural Handicap

OPELOUSAS, La. - Trainer Troy Young swept the first two positions in Thursday night's Inaugural Handicap, the first stakes event held at the new Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino.

J. D.'s Blue Bayou ($5.00), owned by Valene Farms as is the runner up Smilin Fine, settled off the early lead of highweight All Wired Up in the early stages of the six furlong sprint for 3-year-olds under C. J. Woodley before making a big move to the front through the turn. The winner steadily increased his advantage through the stretch to prevail by seven and a half-lengths in a time of 1:10.30 over a fast track. Smilin Fine rallied from last to first to finish second, two lengths in front of a tiring All Wire Up.

The win was J. D.'s Blue Bayou's fourth from 12 career starts and avenged a second place finish to All Wired Up when they last met in the C. B. Stephens Memorial Stakes at Delta Downs on March 26.