Pacific Pink will stick closer to pace in Elge Rasberry

Pacific Pink is a ferocious closer and has used her kick to win the two stakes that make her the most accomplished member of the field Saturday in the $75,000 Elge Rasberry Stakes at Louisiana Downs. The one-mile turf race for 3-year-old fillies shares a card with the $75,000 A.L. “Red” Erwin.

The stakes, which are restricted to graduates of designated auctions, close out the meet at Louisiana Downs. The Erwin, for 3-year-olds at a mile on turf, drew 12, including Saratoga shipper Cajun Spirit for trainer Dallas Stewart.

Pacific Pink is part of a 10-horse field for the Rasberry, which also drew Catherine’s Dream, who is stretching out around two turns, as well as up-and-coming runners Composed and Good Gator.

“May the best girl win,” said Edward Johnston, who trains Pacific Pink for Keith Plaisance. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed.”

Key contenders

Pacific Pink (Last 3 Beyers: 78-83-75)

Johnston is hoping for a cleaner trip than Pacific Pink had in her last start, in which she had to alter course and was second by a half-length Aug. 8 in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff at Louisiana Downs.

“I’d just like to be able to have room when I need to run,” said Johnston. “Last time, she got trapped inside. She got outside, and we ran out of ground. She came running, and another two steps, and she’s on the lead.”

One start prior, Pacific Pink won the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Soiree at Evangeline Downs. In that race, she closed from 21 lengths off the pace.

“When she made her move, they were coming back as fast as she was going forward,” said Johnston, noting that the pace was quick early in the Soiree.

Johnston is looking for Pacific Pink to be closer to the pace Saturday. He likes that she will be returning to racing against straight 3-year-olds after facing older rivals in the Louisiana Cup Distaff. Richard Eramia has the mount from post 7.

Pacific Pink, by Private Vow, has won 4 of 8 starts.

“She’s going to be special,” Johnston said. “I think she’s special already. She handles herself like she’s got a lot of class.”

Catherine’s Dream (Last 3 Beyers: 62-77-70)

She is stretching out to two turns after finishing fifth in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.

Catherine’s Dream also is returning to racing with 3-year-olds after facing older rivals in the Louisiana Cup.

She defeated older foes in back-to-back races earlier this meet at Louisiana Downs.