Distinctiv Passion Best in San Pedro

Distinctiv Passion, with Edwin Maldonado aloft, rocketed to the lead from the rail in Monday’s $75,000 San Pedro Stakes for 3-year-olds and never looked back, winning by 1 ½ lengths while covering six furlongs in 1:08.50.

“It’s not always easy getting him to relax,” said Maldonado. “Now that he is starting to relax, I don’t think stretching him out seven furlongs should be any problem.”

Distinctiv Passion, off as the 4-5 favorite, set splits of 21.55, 43.61 and 55.61. With no show wagering in the four-horse field, Distinctiv Passion paid $3.60 and $2.10.

“Even though these fractions are real fast, he’s learning how to not fight the bridle and cut and run,” said winning trainer Jeff Bonde. “He’s becoming a more patient horse. Our next hope is the (Grade II) San Vicente, which is a seven furlong race (on Feb. 17)…How far he’s going to run is interesting to the world, but for us, he’s a lot of fun.”

With the winner’s share of $46,200, Distinctiv Passion now has $120,600 in earnings from a record of 5-3-0-1. A Florida-bred colt by With Distinction, he is owned by Edward Brown Jr., Alan Klein Phil Lebherz.

Hear the Ghost rallied resolutely through the lane and was gaining on the winner close to home under Juan Hernandez, finishing 1 ¾ lengths in front of Disarm and Joe Talamo. Off at 7-2, Hear the Ghost paid $3.40 to place.

Really Mr Greely, the 2-1 second choice, finished another 6 ½ lengths behind in fourth with Julien Leparoux.