Paz Ciudadana looks for a repeat

Paz Ciudadana has won races over five different turf courses in the past year, and on Saturday will return to her most productive course when she shoots for a second straight win in the $50,000 Honeymoon at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, La.

is 2 for 2 over the local course, her other win here coming in the $40,000 Cornucopia last October. She will face 10 other fillies and mares in the Honeymoon, a one-mile race that also drew Rue des Reves, who won races over four different courses last year, and the promising Stela.

Paz Ciudadana went on a tear in this region's stakes after winning an optional claimer at Fair Grounds last March. She won the Honeymoon in May; the $50,000 Margarita at Retama Park in August; the $40,000 Ricks at Remington Park in September; the Cornucopia; and in her most recent start, the $75,000 Irving Distaff at Lone Star Park on April 15.

The Irving was her first start of the year after closing out 2005 with a fifth-place finish in the Grade 3 Cardinal Handicap at Churchill Downs on Nov. 19.

"There were so few chances for her to run that I thought it best that we freshen her up for all these races," said Steve Asmussen, who trains Paz Ciudadana.

In the Irving, Paz Ciudadana stalked the pace early, took the lead and went on to a head win. Since the race, she has been flattered, with the runner-up, My Misty Princess, returning to win a turf allowance at Lone Star. Paz Ciudadana has shown versatility in her races, and figures to adapt to whatever pace scenario develops Saturday.

"She's pretty steady," said Asmussen. "If they're not doing a lot, she's obviously capable of being on the lead."

Tracy Hebert has the mount on Paz Ciudadana, a Chilean-bred who races for Nelson Bunker Hunt.

Stela was also bred in Chile. She comes into the Honeymoon off an allowance win on the dirt at Oaklawn on March 12.

"I think she's a lot better on the grass," said Cole Norman, who trains Stela.

Stela has won most of her races on turf in her native Chile. She will be ridden by Carlos Gonzalez.

Rue des Reves won seven consecutive races last year, all of them on turf, including an allowance race at Louisiana Downs. One start later, she won the $100,000 Lady Canterbury at Canterbury Park in June. E.J. Perrodin has the mount for trainer Dwight Viator.