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(as a trainer) I never had any luck in Pleasanton,” said Molinaro, who is married with two boys. “But the last 15 years, it’s always seemed like I’ve done well.” That is vital for a person raised in this town. “If you are pointing for something — and we are when Pleasanton rolls around — if you are stabled here, you should have a little advantage,” said Molinaro. Like Anderson, Molinaro echoes the sentiment that three weeks, at least for now, is a perfect duration for the meet. “It’s great that it is that length of time,” said Molinaro. At 58, Jeff Bonde is the elder statesman of the Pleasanton crew and has seen his share of big moments, saddling horses in the Ken-
tucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup. Bonde started training when he was 17 after having worked for Jerry Dutton, as well as looking up to trainers like Jerry Hollendorfer, long the king of the Northern California conditioners. Now Bonde often does battle with Hollendorfer’s horses in graded stakes races, throughout not only California but across the country. And while Bonde has been in major races around the world, Pleasanton still is a major meet for his team. “The Fair has always been something that everyone looks forward to,” said Bonde. “It’s changed throughout the years, but it’s always been a big meet when you are around so many people you grew up with. It’s always a lot of fun.” N
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The horse trainers at the Fairgrounds include several who are from Pleasanton and spent time in their childhood around the track.
Racing news The Alameda County Fair has 12 days of live racing, Thursday-Sunday all three weeks, with the daily post time at 1:15 p.m. Highlights include: * At 11:30 a.m. each racing day, track announcer Frank Mirahmadi and Fair racing publicist Dennis Miller will go over the racing entries. * A morning workout seminar will be held starting at 8 a.m., Saturday, June 29,
with trainers and former jockeys.
three and a spot in the finals on Saturday, July 6.
* Another solid stakes card, including the debut of the $75,000 Casual Lies on Thursday, July 4.
* Hat Contest: Prizes for children and adults.
* Win, Place and Show: Every day of live racing, the contest drawing will pay $100, $75 and $50 for three people. * $10,000 Putting Contest: Every day of racing, three contestants are drawn to try and qualify as one of the top
* Hippity-Hop Contest: For children 7-10, after the fourth race each racing day. * Trackside Terrace: Experience live horse racing up close and in style with VIP seating over-looking the race track. For more information, go to www.alamedacountyfair.com.
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Kent Molinaro
John Anderson Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊJune 21, 2013ÊU Page 13