SCOTT GELNER TRAINEE WINS STAKES DEBUT UNDER JOCKEY GERARD MELANCON

 

 

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted the $70,000 Lookout Stakes on Friday afternoon as part of a nine-race New Year’s Eve program. The 7 1/2-furlong test for Louisiana-bred fillies and mares who had yet to win a stakes race was won by Oak Tree Stables, LLC’s Strummer under jockey Gerard Melancon.

 

The win by Strummer did not come easily as the 3-year-old filly had to survive a jockey’s objection after the race when rider Ashley Broussard, who was aboard Schiff’s Corner, claimed foul on the winner for interference around the first turn. After several minutes of looking at the video, the stewards determined that Strummer was clear of her rival when crossing over to the rail and the claim of foul was disallowed.

 

Strummer, who is conditioned by Scott Gelner, led nearly all the way in the Lookout after Schiff’s Corner opened the race with a quarter-mile time of 24.32 seconds.  Strummer then took over, covering the half-mile in 50.21 and three-quarters of a mile in 1:16.05 before finishing up with a final time of 1:35.97. Each race on Friday was contested over a fast track.

 

Jet Sweep, who was reserved at the back of the field early in the Lookout, rallied late to grab the place spot behind Strummer, beaten three lengths. Suzie’s Dream, a 15-1 longshot, would up third, another length behind the runner-up.

The win by Strummer was the fourth of her nine-race career. She earned $42,000 for the effort and now owns a career bankroll of $146,620.

 

Bred in Louisiana by Brittlyn, Inc, Strummer is by Star Guitar, out of the Langfuhr mare Good Human Bean.

 

Sent to the gate at odds of 3-1, Strummer paid $8 to place, $3.40 to place and $3.40 to show. Jet Sweet returned $4 to place and $3.40 to show. Suzies Dream was worth $6.60 to show.

 

For more information about the current season visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about the track through Facebook by visiting the page ‘Delta Downs Racing’. The track’s Twitter handle is @deltaracing.

 

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.