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Hostess much the best in Glens Falls William Clifton Jr.'s HOSTESS (Chester House), who had developed a win-shy attitude the past couple seasons, displayed none of that attitude in Monday's $108,900 Glens Falls H. (G3) at Saratoga, putting in a powerful burst of speed in the stretch to take command then fending off the late charge of Palmilla (Crowd Pleaser) to hang on by a neck. The 3-1 second choice in the field of six, Hostess returned $8.50, $5 and $5.40. Under Rajiv Maragh, Hostess sat a good trip in fourth as Tejida (Rahy) jumped out to a clear advantage through fractions of :23 4/5, :47 2/5, 1:11 3/5 and 1:35 4/5. Dynaforce (Dynaformer), the near 3-5 choice, was somewhat rank through the opening half-mile while racing in second, then came under a ride by Kent Desormeaux rounding the final turn but had little punch to stay in contention. Jade Queen (Giant's Causeway), who might have been expected to challenge Tejida early, instead enjoyed a ground-saving trip in third, split horses in the stretch, but did not have the quickness of Hostess, who stopped the timer in a course record 2:11 3/5 for 1 3/8 miles on the firm inner turf. Palmilla, who was fifth early, turned in a nice late run to finish 2 3/4 lengths ahead of Jade Queen, and returned $6.20 and $6.30 while capping the $44.20 exacta at 6-1. Jade Queen, at 16-1, brought back $9.90 to show and finished off the $241 trifecta (4-6-2). Lamentation (GB) (Singspiel [Ire]), the Italian import who was the 33-1 longest price in the race, was never a factor but rallied for fourth ahead of Dynaforce and Tejida. Dyna's Lassie (Dynaformer) was withdrawn. "The pace was pretty steady up front, and I always thought I had horse," Maragh said. "She was real relaxed and always felt comfortable. She's always had a good finish and she showed it today." Victory in the Glens Falls pushed Hostess' career mark to 20-4-3-7 with earnings of $379,048. Despite her limited number of trips to the winner's circle, the five-year-old has often been in the mix against top level company. After going unplaced in The Very One H. (G3) in her seasonal debut, Hostess rebounded to win the Orchid H. (G3), defeating Mauralakana (Fr) (Muhtathir [GB]), who has since established herself as the leading turf female runner in the country. Hostess dropped her next two decisions to Mauralakana in the Sheepshead Bay H. (G2) and New York S. (G2), but finished third both times and was only beaten a half-length in the latter. Trainer James Bond indicated Hostess might reappear in either Flower Bowl Invitational (G1) at Belmont Park or the Yellow Ribbon S. (G1) at Santa Anita. Both races are scheduled for September 27. The winner was bred in Kentucky by Peter Van Andel and attracted a bid of $70,000 at the 2004 Keeneland September Yearling sale. Produced from Charge d'Affaires (Vice Regent), the dark bay is a half-sister to Grade 2-placed Pretty 'n Smart (Beau Genius), who is herself the dam of Grade 3 winner Ashley's Kitty (Tale of the Cat), an unnamed yearling colt by Successful Appeal and a 2008 filly by Bellamy Road. This is the same family as 1987 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) winner Success Express (Hold Your Peace), Canadian champion turf horse Charlie Barley (Affirmed) and Grade 1 victor Greenwood Lake (Meadowlake).
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