Gallant Archer, with Sandy Hawley aboard, moved...

Gallant Archer, with Sandy Hawley aboard, moved past pacesetter Nadirpour in deep stretch, then held off late-charging stablemate Shulich to win the $276,450 Louisiana Downs Handicap by a head at Bossier City, La.

The 1 3/8-mile, Grade III test for 3-year-olds and up was the first stakes victory for Allen Paulson’s $4.9 million yearling purchase. The winning time was 2:15 4/5 over a fast track.

The $162,840 winner’s share increased Gallant Archer’s career earnings to $208,343. Nadirpour, a 53-to-1 longshot finished third, a nose behind Shulich.