New tactics, same result for Dulce Realidad

Dulce Realidad did what she does almost always - win. But she it in a different way on Saturday at Philadelphia Park. A pacesetter in all four of her previous races, Dulce Realidad responded favorably to rating tactics, sitting third behind the two early pacesetters before taking command midway around the turn, and going on to a three-quarter-length victory in the $194,000 Jostle Stakes.

That made it 4 wins in 5 starts for Dulce de Realidad, who is owned by Stud el Aguila, and is trained at Philly Park by Richard Vega. The Jostle, for 3-year-old fillies at 6 1/2 furlongs, was reduced to four horses by two scratches. The longshot Snowy Elegance waited behind all the pace horses and ran late for second, and was followed by second-choice Throbbin' Heart, and A Rose for You.

Dulce Realidad went off as the favorite for the first time in her career, and did not disappoint her backers, paying $3.60 to win. Show wagering was canceled.

Jockey Jose Flores, who has ridden Dulce de Realidad in all her starts, took a light hold on the filly after breaking from post 1. Throbbin' Heart and A Rose For You hooked up on the lead, going the first quarter in 22.42 seconds. A Rose for You was finished just past the half-mile pole, as Flores guided his willing mount into contention. Dulce de Realidad took over before straightening away for the finish, and though slowing in the final half-furlong, had enough left to win. She was timed in 1:15.82 on a fast track.

* In the race before the Jostle, Auction Watch ($9.20) rallied from last in an eight-horse field to capture the $75,000 Alphabet Soup, a grass race for Pennsylvania-breds.