Magic Vow looks to regain winning form in ‘Red' Erwin

Magic Vow ran one of the best races of his career in defeat last out, and that effort figures to make him the favorite over 11 others Saturday in the $75,000 A.L. “Red” Erwin at Louisiana Downs.

The race will share a card with the $75,000 Elge Rasberry. Both races are at a mile on turf for Louisiana-breds who graduated from designated auctions. The A.L. “Red” Erwin is for 3-year-olds and the Elge Rasberry is for 3-year-old fillies.

Magic Vow finished third in his last start, the $60,000 Prelude on Aug. 5 at Louisiana Downs. The race was his first on the grass and his first against open company in a year. Under regular rider Kerwin Clark, Magic Vow was beaten four lengths in the Prelude by winner Mr. Misunderstood, who returned to win the Super Derby and run his record on grass to 5 for 5.

“There’s no shame in running third to a horse who is undefeated on the turf,” trainer Allen Landry told officials at Louisiana Downs. “[Clark] said he ran a little green the first time on the grass, but thinks he will improve on Saturday. He fits him well.”

Magic Vow earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 80 in the Prelude, which equaled his best career number. Earlier this year, Magic Vow won the Equine Sales Derby at Evangeline Downs.

Magic Vow will break from the rail. He is owned by Brittlyn Stable.

Magic Vow could get a stalking trip behind Culp’s Hill, who has won two of his last three starts. Both victories were won wire to wire, and both came against older rivals. Tim Thornton has the mount for Joey Foster, the leading trainer at Louisiana Downs.

Gerardo Mora, who leads the rider standings, will team with Paddy O’ Lionel, who was the runner-up to Magic Vow in the Equine Sales Derby.

The Elge Rasberry drew a field of 11. Bermuda Star is moving back into the Louisiana-bred ranks, the straight 3-year-old ranks, and the turf.

Bermuda Star defeated older horses last out when she won a conditioned allowance over open company Aug. 12 at Evangeline Downs. She’s made one start on the grass, winning a maiden special weight in February at Fair Grounds.

Diego Saenz has the mount for Brittlyn Stable and trainer Victor Arceneaux. Bermuda Star is by Star Guitar, the millionaire Louisiana-bred raced by Brittlyn Stable.

Big Game Baby will be stretching back out around two turns for the Elge Rasberry. The last time she ran at two turns she was fifth against older open-company rivals in the $50,000 Opelousas in August at Louisiana Downs.

Mora has the mount for Foster, who trains Big Game Baby for Eat My Dust LLC.