Distinctiv Passion back on U.S. turf

ARCADIA, Calif. – The world traveler Distinctiv Passion is back at Santa Anita for Monday’s $100,000 Los Angeles Stakes, a race that would have seemed unlikely for Distinctiv Passion after his 13th-place finish in the $1 million Al Quoz Sprint on turf March 28 in Dubai.

When he returned to California soon after that race, Distinctiv Passion quickly shook off the effects of the trip, trainer Jeff Bonde said.

“It’s the only time I’ve ever taken a horse to Dubai,” Bonde said. “You hear stories that they get zapped from the deal, but his weight is good, he’s training great, and I’m looking forward to a good race from him.”

The Grade 3 Los Angeles Stakes is run at six furlongs and drew a field of six, including the stakes winners Spirit Rules and Wild Dude; the stakes-placed San Onofre; War Academy, who has yet to win a stakes; and Five Palms, who is making his stakes debut.

Distinctiv Passion has won four stakes in his 16-race career, including the Grade 3 Midnight Lute Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs here last December. Regular rider Edwin Maldonado has the mount Monday.

Key contenders

Distinctiv Passion (Last 3 Beyers: 101-87-95)

In his last start in the U.S., Distinctiv Passion won the Joe Hernandez Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs here Feb. 22, a race scheduled for turf but switched to the main track because of rain. Distinctiv Passion led throughout and won by 4 1/4 lengths.

“He’s as quick of a horse I’ve had,” Bonde said. “He’s got that natural speed.”

Owned by Edward Brown Jr., Alan Klein, and Phil Lebherz, Distinctiv Passion has won seven races and earned $393,660.

Bonde said Distinctiv Passion was not suited to the turf course in Dubai, which he said was longer and more extensively watered than courses in the U.S.

“It’s different than American grass [tracks],” he said. “Edwin said he was spinning his wheels from start to finish.”

San Onofre (Last 3 Beyers: 100-84-97)

San Onofre is quick but unlikely to duel with Distinctiv Passion in the opening furlongs of the Los Angeles Stakes. San Onofre has drawn the outside post, adjacent to Distinctiv Passion, which should give jockey Mike Smith the option of racing just behind the Distinctiv Passion, according to trainer Karen Headley.

“I’m happy that we’re on the outside and can see what unfolds,” Headley said.

San Onofre was second to Masochistic in the Grade 2 Kona Gold Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs April 11.

“He’s blossoming right now,” Headley said. “I think he ran a great race last time.”