You Lift Me Up finally gets first 2009 victory

DEL MAR, Calif. -- You Lift Me Up had been coming close in her races this year, but had yet to break through with a victory until Sunday, when she benefited from a patient ride from jockey Joel Rosario and rallied to win the $100,000 Solana Beach Handicap for older California-bred female turf runners at Del Mar.

You Lift Me Up ($9.60) got to the wire a half-length in front of late-running favorite Hot n' Dusty, who came charging from last in the six-horse field.

Bootleg Annie, who set a sharp early pace, was third, three-quarters of a length behind Hot n' Dusty.

You Lift Me Up completed one mile on firm turf in 1:34.07. The win was her sixth in 25 starts, but her first in eight starts this year. She had finished in the money in 5 of 7 prior starts this year.

"She's been running well all year. She's very consistent," said her trainer, Jerry Hollendorfer. "The pace set up nice and fast for her."

Bootleg Annie, pressured by Flashover, set fractions of 22.49 seconds, 46.25, and 1:10.25 for the first six furlongs. You Lift Me Up sat back in fourth, about four lengths behind the leaders, before launching her bid under Rosario.