Excessive Passion stays perfect in Nevin Stakes

PLEASANTON, Calif. - Excessive Passion won the first 2-year-old race of the year in Northern California on March 28. He returned Saturday to score an easy victory in the $60,000 Everett Nevin Stakes at the Alameda County Fair on Saturday.

Excessive Passion jumped to a quick lead and pulled away in the stretch, beating Erin's Cajun by 3 1/4 lengths while winning the 51/2-furlong stakes for California-bred 2-year-olds in 1:03.90. He paid $5.

Sweet Tigger, runner-up in the Lost in the Fog at Golden Gate Fields on June 13, was third another 31/4 lengths back.

"This is like driving a Porsche with a lot of gears," said winning trainer Jeff Bonde. "When he turned for home, I knew it was over. He just shifted gears and ran away from everybody."

Jockey Omar Figueroa had Excessive Passion a half-length in front of Raptor Force, put him away quickly as Erin's Cajun loomed into contention on the turn, then pulled clear.

The victory was worth $31,000 to owners Rusty Brown, Philip Lebherz and Alan Klein. Excessive Passion, who has won $49,720 in his two career victories, will be pointed to the $100,000 Graduation Stakes for Cal-breds at 51/2 furlongs on July 29 at Del Mar.