Distance the question for Illussion Artist in Lookout Stakes

Illussion Artist will seek to conquer two turns in her first attempt beyond 6 1/2 furlongs when she starts as the probable favorite Friday night in the $65,000 Lookout at Delta Downs in Vinton, La. The one-mile race is restricted to Louisiana-bred fillies and mares who have not won a stakes.

The Lookout drew a field of 10, including Glide Baby Glide, who was third in a stakes at a mile in June at Evangeline Downs. Strike Pleasure is coming off a third in a two-turn race in November at Delta, while Dixie Brees defeated open company last out.

Lookout Stakes (Race 8)

KEY CONTENDERS

Illussion Artist, by Drosselmeyer

Last 3 Beyers: 77-80-82

◗ She made her stakes debut last out after winning the first three races of her career, finishing third as the favorite in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint on Dec. 10 at Fair Grounds. She found herself farther off the pace than usual after being bumped at the start, then closed fast in the six-furlong race, which went in a quick 1:09.80.

◗ Illussion Artist romped by 7 1/2 lengths in her career debut, a maiden special weight race in September at Indiana Grand. She went on to take a first-level allowance at Keeneland and an optional $62,500 claiming race at Churchill Downs.

◗ She gets pedigree support for the two turns from her sire, who won both the Belmont Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Classic. In addition, Illussion Artist’s dam has thrown a number of route winners. They include Alyssa’s Art, a six-time route winner on the main track, and My Spanx, a multiple stakes winner in turf-route races.

◗ Ashley Broussard, who won six races in a row Dec. 14 at Delta, has the mount for owner Steve Landers Racing and trainer Brad Cox.

Glide Baby Glide, by Honor Glide

Last 3 Beyers: 59-57-75

◗ She’s back in Louisiana-bred company after finishing third as the favorite in an optional $30,000 claiming race Dec. 10 at Delta. That race was at seven furlongs. The last time Glide Baby Glide ran a mile, she was third in the $75,000 Spotted Horse, won by Steel Cut, on June 3 at Evangeline.

◗ Diego Saenz has the mount for owner Robert Whitaker and trainer Patrick Devereux Jr.