Bob Fortus, The Times-Picayune

Getting a smooth, stalking trip under jockey Rosie Napravnik, Upperline took charge entering the stretch and held off late challengers Category Seven and Forest Uproar to win the Allen LaCombe Memorial on Saturday at the Fair Grounds.

Upperline was racing for the second time this season, and the victory was her first since she won the Arlington Oaks in July at Arlington Park.

She ran about a mile and a sixteenth in 1:46.68, defeating Category Seven by a length and paying $7.40. Forest Uproar, the favorite, finished another half-length back in third in a field of seven older fillies and mares.

“It set up perfect,’’ trainer Mike Stidham said. “We were able to sit in that stalking spot and go when the time was right.’’

Napravnik said: “We got a great trip. The filly is extremely easy to ride, and she is very kind and puts you where you need to be, and she ran extremely well down the stretch.’’