Clair Annette proves uncatchable again

AUBURN, Wash. – Clair Annette raced to a front-running victory in the $50,000 Boeing Handicap for fillies and mares Sunday at Emerald Downs, her second consecutive stakes victory and her third win around two turns in as many starts.

Clair Annette ran 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:43.40 to prevail by 1 1/4 lengths. Gadget Queen was second, a neck ahead of Barbara’s Love. Kimmyv, the 5-2 favorite, finished fourth, followed by Pretty Katherine, and Cliff’s Secret.

The top claiming horse at Emerald in 2008, Clair Annette ascended into the stakes ranks in 2009, winning two stakes, and has captured two in 2010. Overall, the 7-year-old by Beau Genius has earned $177,833 for owner Nina Egbert of Enumclaw, Wash., with 10 victories in 20 career starts.

Ridden by Kevin Krigger for trainer Connie Bouslaugh and carrying high weight of 122 pounds, Clair Annette brushed off pace challenger Barbara’s Love nearing the stretch and held Gadget Queen safe in the final furlong.

The Boeing was the final stakes prep for the $75,000 Emerald Distaff at 1 1/8 miles Aug. 22.