Bonde eyes yet another Everett Nevin win

Trainer Jeff Bonde loves winning races in his hometown of Pleasanton, Calif., and he especially likes to win the Everett Nevin, which will be contested on Sunday’s closing day at the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meeting.

Bonde has entered two runners in the $50,000-added, 5 1/2-furlong stakes race for 2-year-olds. Lucky Fame, who won his debut here with relative ease in a $25,000 maiden claimer, drew the rail. Discreet Flirt, a filly who ended up on the also-eligible list for Saturday’s Juan Gonzalez, will make her debut meeting males.

Bonde saddled last year’s Nevin winner, Skydreamin, who was owned in part by Phil Lebherz, the owner of Discreet Flirt, a $45,000 yearling purchase at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. auction last August.

The Bonde-Lebherz duo has been particularly strong in the Everett Nevin. In addition to owning a piece of Skydreamin, Lebherz owned part of 2009 winner Excessive Passion, 2007 winner Run Brother Ron, and 2006 winner Sharoana, a filly who beat the boys.

Discreet Flirt is both personable and talented, Bonde said.

“She’s very unique,” said Bonde. “She’s the most friendly horse in the barn. With her personality, she’s one of my favorite horses in the barn. She’s talented. She’s done everything we’ve asked of her.”

Her stablemate Lucky Fame earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 58 in his wire-to-wire debut victory, the highest figure among the Nevin entrants.

“He ran a game race, and his time was good for this track,” said Bonde.

Lucky Fame drew the rail for the Nevin, but Bonde doesn’t think that will be a problem.

“He’s quick, and he leaves the gate well,” Bonde said.

Lucky Fame was bred by George and Clare Schmitt, who own him with Richard Meister. George Schmitt and Lebherz were partners in Excessive Passion, Run Brother Ron, and Sharoana.

Cartoonist, like Discreet Flirt, is making his debut in the Nevin. The other six runners are each coming off a victory.

Drawn in between Lucky Fame and Discreet Flirt is Global Magician, who could have plenty to say about the outcome. He won his debut by 5 1/2 lengths, beating Mahorney, one of his rivals Sunday.

Owner-breeder Ellen Jackson sold Global Magician after his debut win to Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber. Peter Miller now trains the Globalize gelding.

“It’s part of my game plan,” Jackson said. “When a horse gets good, I have to sell them. If a 2-year-old wins first time out, your phone starts ringing. I’m so glad they’re bringing him up here to run.”