Bonde has two good shots at Cavonnier Juvenile
SANTA ROSA, Calif. – Trainer Jeff Bonde is traditionally a force in 2-year-old races on the Northern California fair circuit, but 2014 has been something of a down year for him.
But Bonde has a good chance to turn things around Sunday, with two strong contenders in the $50,000-added Cavonnier Juvenile on closing day of the Sonoma County Fair.
Truely Quick, who won his debut here July 31, and Lucky Fame, the pacesetter who finished third in the Everett Nevin at Pleasanton, have four rivals in the six-furlong stakes for 2-year-olds.
Both runners have flashed speed in their three combined starts, but Lucky Fame seems the quicker. He could have an easy lead in the Cavonnier Juvenile depending upon the style of Stand and Salute, who will make his debut for the Hall of Fame duo of trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and jockey Russell Baze.
Stand and Salute comes into the race with a 59.40-second, five-furlong gate drill at Del Mar that was the second-best of 62 workers at that distance Aug. 2.
Colorado Strong won his debut as the favorite at the Los Alamitos meeting.
KEY CONTENDERS
TRUELY QUICK (Beyer: 59)
◗ Looked good in winning over the track as the 8-5 favorite in his debut, but it remains to be seen what he beat.
◗ Won a pace duel in his debut, holding the edge by a head before pulling clear in the lane.
◗ Can see him getting stalking trip behind stablemate Lucky Fame.
◗ Loses Baze but gets hot rider in Ricardo Gonzalez.
COLORADO STRONG (Beyer: 56)
◗ Draws rail here after gamely holding on to win debut by nose at 7-5.
◗ He sat close to the pace and inched clear in the lane.
◗ Two primary rivals are just outside him, and both seem quicker.
LUCKY FAME (Beyers: 50-60)
◗ He graduated in front-running style in his debut while running for a tag, winning despite drifting a bit in the lane.
◗ He came back and ran much faster early in the Everett Nevin Stakes at Pleasanton, but he tired late.
◗ Have questions about him in the stretch since he’ll likely face some pace pressure here.
STAND AND SALUTE
◗ Saint Anddan first-timer hasn’t missed a work since arriving at the track May 19. Works are steady but not eye-popping, which is the norm for Hollendorfer.
◗ Final five-furlong gate drill hints that he’s ready, and barn got Baze to ride him instead of Truely Quick.
◗ Unraced dam’s only other foal is a winner, but sire is just 2 for 47 with first-timers.