Hotshot Anna out-duels Talk Veuve to Me in Presque Isle Masters

Under a confident ride, Hotshot Anna ranged up outside of Talk Veuve to Me and drove by to repeat Monday in the Grade 2, $400,000 Presque Isle Downs Masters, stating her case for a shot at the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.

Last year, the daughter of Trappe Shot, owned and trained by Hugh Robertson, made the Masters her season finale. This time around, she ran relatively fresh at fourth off the layoff and appeared in top form with a victory entering in the local Satin and Lace Stakes.

“It was a tough bunch of horses," Robertson said. "I knew she’d have to run her best race, but she generally does.”

Away sharply, Hotshot Anna then took back to let longshot Regal Chant and Talk Veuve to Me duke it out on the lead, going in 22.88 and 45.60 to open proceedings. As the turn loomed, Hotshot Anna jumped into contention, setting up a battle with Talk Veuve to Me after Regal Chant tired just past the midway point.

Talk Veuve to Me proved plenty game, but Hotshot Anna edged away late. The final time for 6 1/2 furlongs over the all weather track was 1:15.32 as jockey Antonio Gallardo pumped his fist.

Off at even money, Hotshot Anna returned $4.20 to win. Misericordia and Regal Chant rounded out the board.

A victory improved Hotshot Anna’s record to 10-6-1 in 22 career starts.

Robertson said Hotshot Anna is running this season after "breaking her withers in late December or January. I had to give her fourth months off. They were questionable where she would ever run again. I guess they were wrong."

Robertson said he has entered the 5-year-old mare in Keeneland's November Breeding Stock Sale but admitted he's having second thoughts of letting her go.