Louisiana Downs: Aviesallstar wins

Trainer Cole Norman has made a habit of knocking out a big chunk of the stakes program here with reformed claimers. He was at it again Saturday, sending out Aviesallstar to victory in the $50,000 Barksdale Handicap. Main Street, the longest shot in the field at 28-1, turned in a late rally to finish second, followed by L. A. Spider Legs.

Under steady handling by Carlos Gonzalez, Aviesallstar ($5) stalked early leader Two Punch Sonny through early fractions of 23.34 seconds and 47.32 before making his move on the outside into the far turn of the one-mile turf race. Taking the lead soon after, the winner steadily edged clear to win by three lengths. The final time was 1:38.00 over a turf course softened considerably by weeklong rain.

Aviesallstar won for the fifth time in 12 starts this year with most of his success coming at the expense of optional claiming company. He improved his career record to 13 victories from 42 starts and Saturday's winner's share of $30,000 pushed his earnings to over a quarter-million-dollars.