Cordiality repeats in Fran's Valentine Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – No matter her owner or trainer, Cordiality has been impossible to beat in the Fran’s Valentine Stakes at Santa Anita.

Last year, Cordiality won the Fran’s Valentine Stakes for the partnership of Lee Drummond, John Xitco, and trainer Mark Glatt. They later lost Cordiality via claim to Peter Miller for $62,500 in December.

In February, owner Donnie Crevier and trainer Tim Yakteen claimed Cordiality for $62,500.

Sunday, in her second start for Crevier and Yakteen, Cordiality led throughout the $101,404 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares, winning by 1 1/4 lengths over 14-1 Queen Bee to You.

There were other differences from the two wins. Tyler Baze rode Cordiality last year, stalking the pace before taking the lead on the turn. Sunday, Joe Talamo rode Cordiality and set the pace.

The second choice in the wagering, Cordiality ($7) was timed in 1:34.70 in the one-mile turf race after setting a half-mile fraction of 46.16 seconds.

“She was well within herself,” Talamo said. “She was doing it pretty easy the whole way.”

Cordiality earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 87.

Queen Bee to You stalked the pace and finished 1 1/4 lengths clear of 5-1 Pulpit Rider. Cordiality led by a half-length on the turn, and put a bit of distance on Queen Bee to You in the final furlong.

“I got a little nervous in the lane,” Yakteen said.

Gypsy Blu, the 9-5 favorite, finished fourth, followed by Algorhythmic, Sapphire Kid, Bella Luma, Halo Darlin, and Fiery Lady.

Cordiality, a 6-year-old mare by Papa Clem, has won 10 of 29 starts and earned $502,835. In her first start for Crevier and Yakteen, Cordiality was fifth in the Grade 2 Royal Heroine Stakes at a mile on turf on April 6, which Yakteen considered a prep for the Fran’s Valentine.

Last August, Cordiality won the Solana Beach Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at a mile on turf at Del Mar for Glatt and his partners.

Yakteen said Cordiality will be considered for the $150,000 Solana Beach Stakes on Aug. 9.