Hotshot Anna Scores Second Consecutive PID Masters

Hotshot Anna gave owner-trainer Hugh Robertson back-to-back wins in the $400,000 Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes (G2) Sept. 16, when she outran Talk Veuve to Me in the Presque Isle Downs stretch to win by 1 1/4 lengths.

While it is impressive that Hotshot Anna returned to win the stakes for a second straight year, it is important to note some other accomplishments of the 5-year-old Trappe Shot  mare, who has won seven of her last 10 races and finished second in the other three, going back to April 2018.

During that time period it may appear as if the mare was simply given a long break between September of last year and June of this year, but in fact the mare was recovering from an injury, and returned without missing a beat.

"She broke her withers in late December or January," Robertson said. "I had to give her four months off and it was questionable whether she would ever run again."

During Monday's 6 1/2-furlong test for fillies and mares, 3 and up on the all-weather track, there was a scramble for the lead, and the only 3-year-old in the field, Regal Chant, took them through an opening quarter-mile in :22.88. Shortly after Talk Veuve to Me took over to run a half-mile in :45.60 pressed by Hotshot Anna.

Heading into the stretch the two leaders battled neck and neck, but Hotshot Anna and jockey Antonio Gallardo eventually prevailed and pulled clear to finish in a final time of 1:15.32, just a touch off the track record of 1:14.68.

"She's a nice filly, she's classy," Gallardo said. "You can put her wherever you want. When you ask she gives you everything. ... in the stretch I know I got it—she's pretty strong in the end all the time."

The winner returned $4.20 for a $2 win bet. Talk Veuve to Me held for second while Misericordia closed to finish third.

"I got her in the Keeneland sales but I may not sell her," Robertson said when asked how he felt about the mare's increase in residual value.

Bred by Paul Tacket in Kentucky, Hotshot Anna is out of the Holy Bull mare Avalos and was purchased by Robertson for $20,000 from the breeder's consignment to the 2015 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Hotshot Anna now has a record of 10-6-1 from 22 starts and earnings of $863,440.