Pacific Pink back in Magnolia

Pacific Pink is back in action. The mare has won her last three starts, and will be seeking to build her streak Friday night when she has her first out in more than than three months in the $100,000 Magnolia at Delta Downs.

The Magnolia is a one-mile race for fillies and mares bred in Louisiana. It also serves as the first stakes of the Delta meet and is expected to produce starters for the Louisiana Champions Day program at Fair Grounds.

The field of nine for the Magnolia also includes Mr. Al’s Gal, a 3-year-old filly who has won 6 of 8 career starts, and Zarb’s Brite Lite, the runner-up to Pacific Pink in the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Distaff in July at Evangeline Downs.

KEY CONTENDERS

Pacific Pink, by Private Vow Last 3 Beyers: 81-89-74

◗ Pacific Pink began her streak in May, when she won an optional $20,000 claiming race over open company going a mile at Evangeline. She proceeded to capture the $74,000 Spotted Horse on June 2 at the same distance, then wrapped up a perfect Evangeline season with a win in the Louisiana Legends Distaff in her most recent start July 8. Pacific Pink was given time off due to foot issues.

“She needed a couple months break from running,” said trainer Eddie Johnston. “We gave her time off with her shoes off; had everything growing again. She’s been back in training five weeks.”

◗ Pacific Pink worked five furlongs in a bullet 1:00.20 on Oct. 10 at Louisiana Downs. She breezed an easy half-mile in 50.60 on Tuesday at her base of Fair Grounds.

◗ Pacific Pink’s time off also served to freshen her for a winter campaign that Johnston hopes will include starts on Louisiana Champions Day at Fair Grounds and the Premier Night program in February at Delta. Her earnings would go over $500,000 with a win or runner-up finish Friday night in the Magnolia.

“She’s a very honest mare, a very good mare,” said Johnston, who trains Pacific Pink for Keith Plaisance. “She’s such a classy thing. She just does everything right.”

◗ Pacific Pink will break from post 5 under Colby Hernandez.

◗ “Hopefully she can run them down, do what she does,” said Johnston.

Mr. Al’s Gal, by Salute the Sarge Last 3 Beyers: 69-77-68

◗ She won five straight races before having her streak disrupted last out when fourth in the Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint on Aug. 5 at Louisiana Downs.

◗ She is moving back to two turns and has won all three of her races at the configuration, including the Premier Night Starlet at a mile at Delta.