Hotlantic, Classy Deelites win at Louisiana Downs

Hotlantic set a quick pace then held off a fast-closing Category Seven for a head win in the $50,000 Top Corsage at Louisiana Downs on Saturday. The 7 1/2-furlong race for fillies and mares was one of two turf stakes on the card. Classy Deelites led throughout to upset the $50,000 Barksdale at 16-1.

Hotlantic ($5.60) moved to the lead soon after the start of the Top Corsage, and raced several lengths clear of the field while putting up fractions of 23.32 seconds for the opening quarter, 45.70 for the half-mile, and 1:09.37 for six furlongs. Hotlantic held well late, covering the distance on firm turf in 1:28.62.

Jose Figueroa rode Hotlantic for Ace Thoroughbreds and trainer Dallas Keen. The Top Corsage was the second stakes win in the last three starts for Hotlantic, who in April won the $50,000 Irving Distaff at Lone Star Park.

* Classy Deelites ($34.60) moved from the Louisiana-bred ranks into open company for the Barksdale and after leading the field through six furlongs in 1:10.73, he went on to win the 7 1/2-furlong race by 2 1/2 lengths. Lee's Spirit rallied for second, finishing a length and a half in front of third-place finisher King Dan.

Classy Deelites covered the distance in 1:28.96. Patrick Valenzuela was aboard for Moran Racing Stable and trainer Donald Moran Sr. The Barksdale was the second career stakes win for Classy Deelites, who has now won 6 of 15 starts and $213,230.