Bonde notices positive change in Distinctiv Passion

After 13 starts, Distinctiv Passion may be a changing colt for trainer Jeff Bonde.

Saturday, Distinctiv Passion won his first graded stakes in the $100,500 Midnight Lute Stakes over 6 1/2 furlongs. Distinctiv Passion led throughout, and set a quick pace, but Bonde noticed a different style of racing on the lead from the 4-year-old.

“The horse, in the last six weeks, in the mornings, he has learned to wait a little bit,” Bonde said. “That was the most patient I’ve seen him in a race.

“He ran his best race.”

Ridden by Mike Smith, Distinctiv Passion won the Midnight Lute Stakes by 1 3/4 lengths over 28-1 Heir of Storm. He set a quick pace of 21.23 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 42.99 for a half-mile, but was within himself at the time, Smith said.

Bonde said on Sunday that Distinctive Passion is “absolutely” a candidate for the $200,000 Palos Verdes Stakes over six furlongs on Jan. 31. Owned by Edward Brown, Jr., Alan Klein, and Phillip Lebherz, Distinctiv Passion has won 6 starts and earned $336,180.

Going into 2015, the California sprint division lacks a clear leader, giving Distinctiv Passion a chance to assume that role with success in the Grade 2 Palos Verdes.

Plans are less certain for Secret Circle, the winner of the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Santa Anita who could only finish fourth as the 1-5 favorite in the Midnight Lute Stakes. Secret Circle was third on the backstretch and faded to finish 2 3/4 lengths behind Distinctiv Passion.

“He never looked comfortable,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “He ran with his head up. He had an off day. I’m surprised by that.”