Front-runners run off in two Delta stakes

Stonehouse and Alina were dominant front-running winners of Saturday night's pair of $75,000 route stakes at Delta Downs. Both races were run at 1 1/16 miles, with Stonehouse cruising by 5 1/2 lengths in the Gulf Coast Classic and Alina winning off by 5 1/4 in the Goddess.

Stonehouse ($9.80) attended fractions of 23.76 seconds for the opening quarter, 47.43 for the half-mile, and 1:12.72 for six furlongs before going on to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:45.73. Proud Kentuckian finished second, a half-length in front of third-place finisher Forty Grams. Red Rock Creek, the 2-1 favorite, finished fourth in what was his first start at Delta.

Curt Bourque was aboard Stonehouse for trainer Spanky Broussard. The win was the second in a stakes and sixth overall for the horse, who races for Richard Rudolph and Michael Vranich. Stonehouse has now earned $338,300.

Alina tracked Ruling Class through an opening half-mile in 48.13 in the Goddess, took over through six furlongs in 1:13.33, then pulled away to cover the distance in 1:47.60. Tammy's Victress rallied for second, 1 1/4 lengths in front of third-place finisher Ruling Class.

Gerard Melancon was aboard Alina for trainer Steve Asmussen. The race was her first start since June. Alina has now won 4 of 11 starts and $232,650. She is owned by Savorthetime Stables.