Pleasanton: Skydreamin delivers as favorite in Everett Nevin Stakes

PLEASANTON, Calif. – The favored Skydreamin ($4.80) avoided the early problems he had in winning the Lost in the Fog Stakes in his debut as he scored his second straight victory Sunday, winning the $59,000 Everett Nevin Stakes on closing day at the Alameda County Fair.

Skydreamin veered in at the start and then dropped back when another horse came in on him at the start of the Lost in the Fog. But he had clear sailing Sunday, breaking sharply and getting a good stalking position in third, two lengths behind the pacesetting Luck Lasts, while racing head-and-head down the backstretch with Tupelo Cush, whom he defeated by a head in the Lost in the Fog.

He began his move on the turn and quickly cut into Luck Lasts's lead. He put his head in front in the stretch and pulled clear to score a 5 1/2-length victory in the five-furlong race, winning in 1:03.74. Echo Zulu rallied for second, finishing 1 3/4 lengths in front of Luck Lasts, who held off Outlook by a nose for third.

"He was a much better horse here," said winning rider Russell Baze, who also rode him in the Lost in the Fog. "He broke better. I thought a couple others would go gunning early, but I was pleased where we were sitting."

Skydreamin, who finished strong in the Lost in the Fog, finished even better in the Everett Nevin.

"The horse said it all," said trainer Jeff Bonde, who purchased the Sky Mesa colt for $80,000 at the March Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. sale for Lorill Harlingten, Alan Klein, and Philip Lebherz.

Skydreamin earned $33,150 to improve his career earnings to $63,450.