Takin' the Bullet, Muffin victorious

The widest post in a field of 11 did not deter Takin' the Bullet in the $150,000 A.L. "Red" Erwin on Saturday at Louisiana Downs. He stalked the pace and drew clear by 5 1/2 lengths in the race, which was one of two stakes on the card for 3-year-olds bred in Louisiana. In the $56,000 Elge Rasberry, Muffin became a stakes winner when she closed rapidly for a half-length win over Cajun Conference.

Both races were originally scheduled for turf, but a break in a sprinkler water line near the eighth pole led stewards to move all of Saturday's grass races to the main track. The Erwin and Elge Rasberry were both held over one mile and 70 yards.

Takin' the Bullet ($5.40) covered the distance on a fast track in 1:42.70. For the win, he earned $90,000. Don Simington was aboard for Heiligbrodt Racing Stable and trainer Jim Hudson.

Muffin ($8.20) was well back early then ran down pacesetter Cajun Conference to cover the distance in 1:44.17. Francisco Torres was aboard for owner-breeder Rowell Enterprises and trainer Sam Breaux. Muffin earned $30,000.

There was a tiered purse structure for both of the stakes, with graduates of eligible sales running for a maximum of purse of $150,000.