Host scores in Knickerbocker
Eugene & Laura Melnyk’s HOST (Chi) (Hussonet) earned his
first win stateside with a 1 1/2-length victory in the $150,000
Knickerbocker H. (G2) at Aqueduct on Saturday. The Todd Pletcher-trained
four-year-old, ridden by Chris DeCarlo, got 1 1/8 miles on the
firm turf in 1:49 4/5 and paid out $10, $4.60 and $3.80 as the 4-1
second choice.
Evening Attire (Black Tie Affair [Ire]) filled out the second
spot as the near 7-2 favorite and gave back $4.80 and $3.80 while
finishing the $63.50 exacta. Sailaway (Our Emblem) was another
head back in third, returning $5.70 and ending the $537 trifecta.
L’Oiseau D’Argent (Silver Hawk) completed the $3,643 superfecta (6-3-9-5)
and was followed by Mr. Light (Arg) (Numerous), Dr. Kashnikow (El
Gran Senor), Caesarion (Ire) (Danehill), Hotstufanthensome (Awesome
Again) and Balestrini (Ire) (Danehill).
Host was named Horse of the Year in Chile in 2003 and ran
third in both the Cliff Hanger H. (G3) and Excelsior Breeders’
Cup H. (G3) prior to this win. He’s now earned $195,119 and
improved his mark to 11-6-2-3. Bred in Chile by Haras de Pirque,
the four-year-old is out of listed winner Colonna Traiana (Roy).