Update 656: Sue McMullen sent me this e-mail this morning in reference to the Jackson’s horse Enticing who recently ran at York.
I’ve just spoken to William Haggas, trainer of Enticing and asked him how she’d come out of the Nunthorpe, his thoughts on the race and where she goes next.
Willaim said she was absolutely fine and it had been an ambitious plan to go for the Nunthorpe, which on the day just didn’t come off. He said she clearly wasn’t happy on the ground and she was also up with the pace early on, which hadn’t really been the plan so overall, it just didn’t go right for her. But she has lots of speed and all being well, she will now go for the Flying Childers, at York on 8 September. This race normally takes place at Doncaster during the St Leger meeting, but Doncaster is currently closed for extensive rebuilding so the meeting has been transferred to York. The Flying Childers is a Group 2 over 5 furlongs, but her participation will depend on the ground as she won’t run if it’s soft.
I may have to pursuade Sue to become our European racing correspondent. Anyone want to volunteer for other racing jurisdictions around the world ?
Thanks, Alex!
Go Bobby Go!
To Team Barbaro I am gone for a few days so keep those candles lit and chains a jingling. Lite a few for me in my absence from the Internet.
I can jingle from anywhere but liting those candles will be pretty hard!:eek:
VB, thanks again for all you do!
Me too–Mr. Fancy and I are going horse camping th-f-sa-su-m & t. I will have somebody call me about Foggy–I hope he’s going to be our second miracle. I’ll take my curb chain with me and jingle around the campfire. Y’all light a few extra candles for me, huh? Be back on Tuesday!
Update 659: Just spoke to Peter Brette, he visited Bobby earlier this afternoon. Barbaro was comfortable, Peter was happy with him. Peter brushed him and changed his bandages etc.
Quick reminder, Lost in the Fog vigil, 7 pm tonight, east coast time. Whereever you are, whatever you are doing, spare some thoughts for the Fog.
Thursday Morning~
Update 569: This morning we have two more articles that discuss the merits of this outstanding three year old crop. The first: THOROUGHBRED BEAT showcases Bernardini, Barbaro, Lawyer Ron, Henny Hughes and Discreet Cat. The second: Bernardini towers over 3-year-old peers now discusses Bernardini and Barbaro, and interviews the trainer of Sweetnorthernsaint (who was actually betting favourite of the Kentucky Derby) Mike Trombetta. A couple of excerpts:
“The only thing you can say with any certainty is both were bound for greatness,” said Mike Trombetta, trainer of Sweetnorthernsaint, the Laurel-based gelding that finished seventh behind Barbaro in the Kentucky Derby and second behind Bernardini in the Preakness. “Everyone saw what Barbaro could do. And now everyone is seeing what Bernardini can do. It’s hard to compare them. They’re alike in that they both win. All the time. No matter what happens, they just keep winning.”
and
“We’ll obviously never know what would have happened if they had run against each other at their best,” Trombetta said. “It’s too bad. I know I would have loved to see it.”
and
Trombetta hopes to run Sweetnorthernsaint for many years, but he harbors no illusions. Asked if he expected to run into Bernardini again, he just laughed.
“Not on purpose,” he said.
Its a big day for Lost in the Fog, here is a lovely poem, by Gloria (updates 60: timestamp 4:39 pm):
“In Our Hearts”
Lost in the Fog, such a mystical name,
For a magical horse who’s achieved so much fame,
A sprinter who soars above mere mortal ground,
A champion who’s proved that his talents abound.
Excitement and joy you have given us all,
And thankful we are that in your special stall,
Surrounded by comfort and care of your friends,
You can see all that love through your own special lens.
Your spirit is shining, to vanquish this foe,
And we will hold on until you say “let go.”
We’re with you, in this your most challenging race,
And praying that you will receive extra grace.
You’re not “lost”, but we’re “searching” for ways to convey
How much you have shown us that words cannot say,
Please know that we value what sets you apart
For, Lost in the Fog, you’ve been “Found in our Hearts.”
Good updates - always glad to hear about nice boring ‘good nights’! We’re up to over 1600 candles for Barbaro and over 1500 for Foggy, keep them coming.
Many thanks again VB for the great updates and super articles. 
Just brought both counts up to the nearest 10.
Lots of low candles on Foggy! He needs great big, full, blazing candles today!!
Update 571: Just spoke to Barclay Tagg to catch up with Funny Cide. Barclay said he galloped three times around the “Clare Court” track today. When I first heard that I thought Barclay was kidding with me, then he went on to explain it is a small training track at Saratoga, about 3/8ths / half mile round. Funny Cide relaxes more galloping on that track. I know he is a very strong horse to gallop, so I guess anything to help him relax. Anyway all remains well for saturday. The Daily Racing Form had this article: Team Funny Cide thrilled to be back which noted the following:
There is a caveat to Funny Cide running in the Woodward. Trainer Barclay Tagg said he would not run if the track came up wet, and the weather forecast is iffy, based on the path of Tropical Storm Ernesto.
I asked Barclay about this and he confirmed that if the track came up really sloppy they would likely not run. Lets hope for better weather. The article also notes Funny’s next objective, the Hawthorne Gold Cup, September 30.
Update 570: Another comfortable night for Barbaro last night (wednesday night). Michael Matz gave me the news as I was coming off the woodchip track on my first set. I was surprised to get the news so early so I hung around by the tunnel that goes under the dirt track so that MIchael could catch up and confirm that’s what he had told me which he did. Just about to get on my second set which I presume will be Chappy who I think we are planning to breeze tomorrow.
updated thursday 6:40am
Thanks, Alex!
Update 572: Bluegrass Cat has returned to his breeders in Kentucky in preparation for stud duty next year: Bluegrass Cat returns to the Blue Grass. The article includes a short video clip of his arrival.
Circle of Life: another lovely video by Melissa Harden.
Update 573: Jeannine Edwards has just spoken with Greg Gilchrist, Lost in the Fog’s trainer. She sent me this e-mail:
Just spoke to Greg Gilchrist… Lost In The Fog is being examined and having his ultrasounds as I write this. They are scanning him to see if there has been any reduction at all in the size of the tumors. Greg seemed hopeful, albeit realistic, that there may be some options for Foggy. He said by this time next month… NEXT MONTH…they would have a better idea of whether or not Foggy is going to make it. That’s a whole lot better than the “2 weeks to live” we heard 10 days ago. Greg said Foggy has gained some weight back, they are feeding him smaller meals 4 times a day, and when I asked what his daily routine is, Greg said “Whatever he feels like doing.” They walk him, take him out for grass, take him near the track to watch training, give him baths, etc. He said right now the horse seems happy and perky, and because of the cancer treatment options available to humans, they are hopeful of being able to try something on Foggy. The problem is that cancer is very rare in equines, and so the treatment data is relatively
obscure. Perhaps Foggy will become the “poster horse” for successful cancer treatment. Greg said he will give me an update on the ultrasound findings tomorrow.
Racing this weekend is on ESPN at 4:30 pm, NOT ESPN2 as reported yesterday in update 565.
Update 574: Peter Brette just called, he had just spoken to Michael. Barbaro remains comfortable. Michael had visited a little earlier this afternoon, and was now on his way back to visit again. It is certainly a great thing Michael lives so close to NBC, and it is obvious how important Bobby is to everyone!
Alie left this comment re: Kennett Florist’s visit today (timestamp: 9:07pm):
Hello Team BARBARO
I went to NBC 1:30 today. Steve went up earlier.
All was good. Our boy is going well.
We are so happy for his continued healing.
We are praying for Lost in the Fog.
Also please add a girl named Special to prayer list.
Thank you for lunch today, what a surprise!
You guys are unbelievable.
God Bless, have a wonderful evening.
We Believe!!!
Alie
I also received an e-mail from Kennett Florist that the Barbaromaniacs are in the local Kennett Paper (its not online yet, I hope it will be).
The cartoon caption contest has been “judged” (thanks Sabina Pierce) and you can find the results on the discussion board: Just For Fun Caption Contest Winner!.
Finally: Michael Matz and Barbaro: Horse of a Lifetime.
Thank you Tim/Alex!
What a gorgeous sketch of Michael and Barbara!!!
and thanks for all the updates!
More candles lit, continued jingles and THANK YOU for the updates VB!
Update 576: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (thursday night). Just saw Michael Matz on my way to the woodchip track for my second set to breeze Chappy. Tim and I are breezing in company; Tim is on Who’s Happy. Unfortunately, the dirt track is closed today due to the impending weather which makes for a little too exciting a time on the woodchip track with all the horses out there. I think Miraculous Miss might also be breezing today after the break.
updated friday 6:55am
Update 575: The Woodward, the marquee race for saturday, is currently an eleven horse field, headed by Flower Alley, last year’s Travers winner. Funny Cide will be in post position 10 (assuming the track is not sloppy and he does run). Flower Alley on his game. Coverage is on ESPN, 4:30 pm.
On the three year old front, Brother Derek and Bob and John are both making their first starts back since the triple crown, against each other on saturday in Del Mar: Brother Derek back, faces Bob and John. An excerpt:
The bar has been raised high. Bernardini has parlayed his Preakness victory into wins in the Jim Dandy and Travers Stakes. Lawyer Ron came back last weekend to capture the St. Louis Derby. Discreet Cat romped last weekend at Saratoga. Showing Up took the Secretariat Stakes. Yes, many of the top 3-year-olds from the first half of the year have kept on motoring right through the summer.
Now it’s time for two more familiar names to show if they are as good now as they were then. On Saturday at Del Mar, two of the spring’s biggest stars make their comebacks, with the added intrigue of racing against one another.
We know Bluegrass Cat has now returned home: Bluegrass Cat finds home at stud farm, a decision whether to perform surgery has not yet been made, excerpt:
Pletcher said he is not sure what will happen now but he said WinStar, which owns the colt, was leaning toward not performing surgery on the leg.
Lost in the Fog’s test results should be made available (to his connections) today, the results are to be compared with previous tests: Lost in the Fog undergoes tests:
Results of the detailed physical examination, which took an hour on Thursday afternoon, won’t be known for 24 hours until blood work is analyzed and comparisons are made between the ultrasound examination with previous tests.
For those considering visiting Fair Hill this weekend, check the weather! You are still welcome to visit us, be at Parlo 1 at 8 am, but if there is wet weather it will not be as much fun, and there won’t be too much activity.
Thanks, Alex & Tim!
thank you for teh bracelet link, just wish they were blue…looking forward to them!
either way, go Barbaro!
Update 577: Just spoke to Barclay Tagg. Funny Cide had his final gallop before tomorrow’s Woodward. He did the same as yesterday (on the “Clare Court” track, galloping three times around). He will go out for a quick jog tomorrow as the race is quite late in the afternoon (lets hope the weather cooperates).
Fair Hill’s woodchip track was a busy place this morning. The dirt was closed and there was plenty of traffic for one track in anticipation of the pending weather coming in. Right after the break a few of the Fair Hill “Big Guns” were out to breeze. Miraculous Miss, under Ramon Dominguez went 5/8ths, I think in about 1:01. This may be her final stiff breeze before she starts back (she has not run since the Acorn). Also out breezing were the Graham Motion pair, Better Talk Now and Film Maker. They also went 5/8ths, nice and easy, in hand (I think). I believe that may be their first works since their Arlington trip a couple of weekends ago. I was also out breezing, with Tim, hence I could not really watch the aforementioned breezes too closely. I did see Miraculous Miss at the beginning of her breeze, she was coming by between the 3/8ths and half mile pole, as we were turning in. She looked like she was galloping along. Our breeze also went well, nice and in hand.
Thanks, Tim/Alex:
Update 578: Just spoke to Steve Willard, Giacomo’s exercise rider. Giacomo had his first breeze today since his run in the Pacific Classic. As Steve said to me, he was feeling good and doing well so it was time to breeze him again. He breezed well, he went 5/8ths of a mile. He was blowing a little bit after the breeze (very normal) and cooled out well. Steve also noted that Giacomo’s mental attitude is terrific after his last race. Steve was not yet sure what race they were pointing for next for Giacomo but great to hear he is doing well. Steve now gets a day off!
I have been on vacation with NO internet access and when I get back all the wonderful news!!! GO BOBBY!!! I think I must have missed the update on LITF did they get the blood work back and did they do a repeat ultrasound?
Gotta go lite some candles for both of them now…KEEP those jingles coming!!!
Thanks, Alex/Tim:
Update 581: Chemotherapy Next for Champ Lost in the Fog, some relevant excerpts:
Gilchrist, during a brief teleconference from Golden Gate Fields, said the hope is that chemotherapy can put the 4-year-old colt’s lymphoma into remission and give the horse as much as two years of quality life.
“It would have to be a miracle for Lost in the Fog to be cured,” Gilchrist said. “This is something that puts it into remission and allows him to go on.”
and
“We’ve come to another cross in the road. They feel that we were doing isn’t really helping that much,” Gilchrist said. “He could have two, three, four months (to live) with what we are doing right now. There are always exceptions, of course, when you are dealing with something like this. But with chemotherapy it could be as much as two years.”
and
In the meantime, Lost in the Fog “is in very good spirits,” Gilchrist said, although he has lost a little weight because they haven’t been feeding him as much as they did when he was in training. “His quality of life is good right now. If you just walked up to him, you wouldn’t know there was anything wrong with him. I don’t think he’s being affected by anything going on around him or within him.”
Update 580: Just spoke to Peter and he had just spoken to Michael, Barbaro continues to remain comfortable. Michael was over this afternoon and was pleased with Bobby.
Kennett Florist’s Alie left this comment (timestamp: 9:05pm):
Hello All
I went to NBC before 9 this morning with bagels, coffee, juices, cream cheeses, ect. with a side of green tops. I went back alittle before
4 pm. With snacks for the next shift. And evening carotts & treats for ICU. I cannot tell the number of people who ask me to express how much They appreciate all you guys do. All seemed well. Everyone rushing around, before the storm starts. So far we have only had a little drizzle.
I will check in tomorrow. Rachel will be back Tuesday.
Have a great night.
God Bless.
We Believe!!!
From Kennett square & KF
And finally, we will have a vigil tomorrow, September 2, 7 pm east coast time. This will be for both Barbaro and Lost in the Fog. Whereever you are, whatever you are doing, spare some time for Bobby and The Fog.
Update 579: Lost in the Fog’s condition unchanged from the Daily Racing Form. Relevant excerpt:
“There’s really not much to say. Everything is pretty much as it was,” trainer Greg Gilchrist said from Del Mar on Friday. “Yesterday, we scanned the horse again, and, really, there’s no change. Things are no better. Things are no worse. Everything’s pretty much status quo.”
Gilchrist said that he and Lost in the Fog’s owner, Harry Aleo, would consult with veterinarians, “and we’ll discuss our options.”
