The Three Chimneys Hopeful S. and Delaware H. were both granted Grade I status for 2013 after the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association conducted its annual grading session Nov. 28 in Lexington, Kentucky. The Hopeful, traditionally the Labor Day closing feature at Saratoga, had been downgraded for 2012, but was restored to its original status for next year. It was won this season by likely champion Shanghai Bobby (Harlan's Holiday). The $1-million Delaware H., which had been conducted as a Grade II event in recent years, was taken by another likely Eclipse Award winner in Royal Delta (Empire Maker) in 2012. Three races were downgraded from Grade I to Grade II for 2013: the Charles Whittingham Memorial H. at Betfair Hollywood, Gazelle S. at Aqueduct and Santa Monica S. at Santa Anita.
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