Stela wins off-the-turf Honeymoon

BOSSIER CITY, La. - Rallying strongly out of the final turn, Stela kicked clear down the stretch to win Saturday's $50,000 Honeymoon Stakes at Louisiana Downs. Shons Secret finished 5 1/2 lengths back in second, two lengths in front of third-place Due to Win Again in the mile and 70-yard test for fillies and mares that was originally scheduled for a mile on the turf before being moved to the main track due to heavy morning rains. The winning time was 1:45.32 over muddy going.

Stela ($8) was ridden by Carlos Gonzalez and is trained by Cole Norman. She was one of three winners that Norman sent out on the afternoon. Stela is a Chilean-bred 5-year-old who has now won five of 19 starts. She is owned by William Greene and James Glover

"We were a little concerned about the sloppy track," Gonzalez said following the race. "She settled off the pace and she gave me what she had down the lane when I asked her."