SHAKOPEE, MN – Jockey Victor Santiago had once heckuva week but it ended with a victory in the $50,000 Hoist Her Flag Stakes at Canterbury Park Sunday.

“It’s been a long week,” Santiago laughed after the win.  “I rode at Fairmont then back to Chicago and then back to Fairmont.  Then I flew from St. Louis to Chicago to get here for this race.  It sure was worth it.”

Puntsville bolted from the gate, immediately put a length on the field and never looked back.

“I’ve been riding her for a while,” said Santiago, ” and I know her really well.  I knew that if she gave me that quick start and got me in front I could take advantage with the other speed on my outside.”

Punstville ($7.20) was never headed, in fact was never flanked, the entire race, cruising to a 3 3/4 length win in 1:09.87.

Thoughtless ($2.40), the even money favorite, was second with Malibu Princess ($3.80) third.