Famous Gal makes amends in Cactus Flower

Famous Gal may have flopped as the 8-5 favorite in last month's Princess of Palms, but the 4-year-old bounced back Monday at Turf Paradise, capturing the $30,600 Cactus Flower Handicap.

Owned by John Pendergast and trained by Joe Johnson, Famous Gal prevailed by three-quarters of a length in the six-furlong race for fillies and mares. Rita Katrina rallied from well back for second, 2 3/4 lengths ahead of Glorificamus. Wings of Justice, the 2-5 favorite, stumbled at the start and was never a factor, finishing another 5 1/4 lengths back in fourth in the field of six.

Famous Gal covered the distance in 1:09.23 under Juan Rivera and paid $8.40 as the second choice. The winner's share of $18,360 pushed her career earnings to $116,044 from 6 wins in 14 starts.