Bootleg Annie beats Flashover in Distaff

ARCADIA, Calif. - In her first start on the hillside turf course here, Bootleg Annie ($9) held off favored Flashover to take the $100,000 California Cup Distaff Handicap for female turf sprinters on Saturday at Santa Anita's Oak Tree meeting.

Bootleg Annie beat Flashover by three-quarters of a length, with Quisisana another 1 1/4 lengths back in third. Under Rafael Bejarano, Bootleg Annie was timed in 1:13.31 for about 6 1/2 furlongs on a firm course.

What she lacked in experience on the course Bootleg Annie more than made up with her desire. She has now won 15 times in 30 starts, with 14 wins in 23 races on turf. Kathy Walsh trains Bootleg Annie for Al and Sandee Kirkwood.

"She's wonderful. She'll do anything," Walsh said.

Bootleg Annie had been running in a series of two-turn grass races, but Walsh believed a turnback in distance would suit her.

"She usually ends up on the lead, but I told Rafael she doesn't need to have the lead," Walsh said. "When he came to the paddock before the race, he knew there was a lot of speed in the race. He let her relax. He rode a perfect race."