On Sunday, July 26th, come on by Borders bookstore between 1 and 3 p.m.  in Santa Rosa for a question and answer time with myself, horse race analyst Dewey Forget and – if he’s not running anything that day at Vallejo - Santa Rosa trainer Steve Specht.

        Dewey and I will share our thoughts on handicaping, and we all will be happy to answer any questions you might have about horse racing. The Sonoma County Fair meet begins that Wednesday so come on by. I’m looking forward to seeing you.

BONDE STAYS PERFECT

        Trainer Jeff Bonde swept the two races for maiden 2-year-old fillies on Thursday, taking his record to a perfect 3-for-3 at the meet as Izzy Rules and Cruzin Topless each made short work of their respective fields.  Both winners are owned by George and Mary Clare Schmitt.

    In the ninth race, the Pleasanton native remained perfect for the meet, as Norcal Invader ($11.00) stormed up the rail to prevail for owner Philip Lebherz, giving Bonde a triple on the afternoon and a perfect 4-for-4 over the first two days of the season.

     Izzy Rules ($6.40) debuted for a $40,000 claiming tag and the daughter of Peace Rules easily defeated the competition, strolling in by seven lengths in 57.45 for five furlongs in the fourth race.  Three races later, Cruzin Topless ($3.60) defeated maiden special weight competition by 4 1/2 lengths in her second career start in the nearly identical time of 57.46.

     Bonde’s streak came to an end in the 10th race, where County Wexford gave jockey Frank Alvarado his third win on the program.  Trainer Steve Specht picked up his second win on the program.  Russell Baze also had a riding double on Thursday.

     Alvarado’s other two wins were aboard trainees from Steve Specht’s barn. County Wexford and Richest Wager both won for Specht, with Alvarado in the irons.