Lost In The Fog: Feb 2002 - Sep 2006; godspeed to you!

[Glimmerglass]

Sometimes horses just have the freaky nack of being able to apply blazing speed, Lost In the Fog is one of those horses. Setting a track record in your 2nd start (almost setting one in your first) and almost setting the World Record? That is wicked

Not sure if he is good for seven furlongs or more, they won’t stretch him out for some time, but he does have amazing sprint potential

San Fran Chronicle 1/1/05

Lost in the Fog not lost at all as 2004’s top speedster

Larry Stumes

Saturday, January 1, 2005

It’s official: Lost in the Fog was the fastest 2-year-old in the nation in 2004.

The Golden Gate Fields-based colt earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 109 for his 14 3/4-length victory in Sunday’s Arizona Juvenile at Turf Paradise as he ran 6 1/2 furlongs in a track-record 1:13.55 and missed the world record by . 31 of a second.

"Speed figures don’t lie,’’ trainer Greg Gilchrist said with a laugh. "How could you say you weren’t happy and proud about something like that? It’s a pretty neat thing to have, considering all the horses out there.’’

The next-best Beyer by a 2-year-old was the 107 recorded by Declan’s Moon in the Del Mar Futurity on Sept. 8. Declan’s Moon, unbeaten in four starts, likely will win the Eclipse Award as the nation’s outstanding 2-year-old after his victory in the Hollywood Futurity over Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Wilko.

Lost in the Fog also is unbeaten, having won his debut by 7 1/2 lengths on a muddy surface at GGF on Nov. 14 in :56.84 for 5 furlongs – missing the track record by .62 of a second. He earned a 102 Beyer for that race, giving him two of the year’s top 10.

"If it were a fast track, he probably would have broken the track record, ‘’ Gilchrist said. "You’re thinking, ‘That can’t be; there is something wrong with the clock.’ At Turf Paradise, the track wasn’t that fast, and you’re thinking, ‘Could a clock be off twice in a row?’ Even knowing as much about him as I know, it’s still amazing what he does and the times he does it in.’’

Harry J. Aleo, an 85-year-old San Francisco native who still works at Twin Peaks Realty after 57 years there, bought Lost in the Fog privately in March after bidding on him in a Florida auction in which he went unsold. Aleo wouldn’t say what he paid, although the colt went for $48,000 at a yearling sale in 2003, and he wouldn’t say how much he’s been offered for a horse that many would expect to be a Kentucky Derby candidate.

"It’s too far ahead even to think about that stuff,’’ Aleo said. "If I sold the horse and took all of this tons of money, I don’t have a racehorse. I’m 85 years old, and I’ve been trying to get a great horse for 20 years. If I get all that money, I’d pay half in taxes and then I’d be out looking for another horse.’’

Though most people in Gilchrist and Aleo’s situation would be looking to run Lost in the Fog longer distances in anticipation of the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby, they’re actually planning to shorten him to 6 furlongs for the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Dash on Jan. 29 at Gulfstream Park.

"Probably, under normal circumstances, I would be looking to move this horse on to a route, if not next time, then the time after,’’ Gilchrist said. "But when there is a race offered that is restricted to Florida-breds and California-breds for $250,000, you have to look at that race. A week after it is the Hutcheson Stakes going 7 1/2 furlongs. It’s a Grade 2 and it’s only $150,000 – you tell me which is the tougher race. This is still a business. If we would handle ourselves well in Florida, then I’m pretty sure we’ll stretch out the horse after that.’’

[Kinsa]

Glimmerglass,

Thank you so much for that last post. I have been worrying about the quarter crack, so to hear that the race didn’t affect it is a relief. Do you suppose that Gilchrist revealed that LITF was tired after the race in an effort to get some more serious competition to face him on the track? Why else would he share a possible weakness? Or is he just a really honest guy? Just curious as to what his thoughts were.

[Glimmerglass]

It looks like LITF will be flown into NJ on Tuesday the 16th and then vanned up to Saratoga. What, no flights to Albany?

One point of slight concern: he has developed a quarter crack in his left hind hoof.

SF Chronicle 8-7-05 “Lost in the Fog steals show in fair workout”

excerpt:

[I]Lost in the Fog barely made a sound hitting the track as he blazed down the stretch in a final eighth of a mile in :11.31.

“He got a little bored near the end, but I chirped and nudged him with my boot, and he picked it up again,” Baze said. “Greg said let him work a bit, and when he does that, he goes fast.”

As far as the quarter crack, Baze told Gilchrist upon dismounting, “If you hadn’t told me beforehand, I wouldn’t have known. He felt good.” [/I]

…

Oh and LITF’s stablemate - the 2-year old Frisco Star in his first effort set the track record at 1:01.65 for 5 1/2 furlongs at the Sonoma County Fair.

LA Times 8-7-05 (Horse Racing Notes)

excerpt:

[I]After watching the undefeated Lost In The Fog work five furlongs in 57.81 between races at Santa Rosa, owner Harry Aleo and trainer Greg Gilchrist unveiled another potential monster.

Frisco Star, a 2-year-old son of More Than Ready who was purchased for $175,000 earlier this year at a sale in Florida, easily won his debut against eight overmatched rivals in the eighth race and set a track record in the process. He completed the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:01.65, bettering the mark of 1:02.20 set by Truly Rude on Aug. 7, 1982.[/I]

[JER]

High Fly is injured. Count another one out.

Jerry Bailey will now be riding Roman Ruler in the Sprint.

High Fly injured

[Glimmerglass]

With respect to LITF’s foes on Saturday you might count Denny Crane as someone in the stands William Shatner is partner in one of the entries up against LITF - Stormin’ Lyon.

[Cashew]

any updates?

[Drumbiggle]

I still think the hype on this fella is premature. The K’sB was his first grade 1, and in fairness the feild wasn’t great, plus he still has to race against older horses, so there’s plenty of unanswered questions.
He needs to win the BC sprint before he can be crowned HotY. Then a win at the big sprint in Dubai next March would really would make him undisputed Sprint champ of the world.

Would love to see LITF and Silent Witness go head to head over 6F… that would be a juicy match up.

[gilmanr]

Appreciate all the info, Glimmerglass. Saw this colt run at GG and was blown away. Also, can vouch for the fact that Harry’s a bit of an eccentric; lived near his business in Noe Valley and saw what can only be described as a shrine to Richard Nixon, but he seems like a good egg. Sure you already know the LITF will be up against it in the King’s Bishop, with Bellamy Road (top Beyer 120) and Roman Ruler both said the be probable. Might be the best race of the year.

[mighty_mite]

I was lucky enough to have been able to meet this champion (and his trainer too) on Saturday morning. I watched him jog on the track, then I took pictures of him in his stall and talked to Greg for almost half an hour. The trainer is a real gentleman and the horse a huge ham.

Lost in the Fog looked great in his workout between the 5th and 6th race at the fairgrounds.

[lizathenag]

I still have my Soviet Problem t-shirt somewhere I hope! And I had a set of bar glasses with her and Baze that were a promotion once but I let them be a prize in a handicapping contest.

[Glimmerglass]

No Russell this weekend on LITF I hope he recovers quickly.

SF Chronicle 6/9 “Baze is injured in GGF spill”

excerpt:

“He sustained a complete fracture of the left collarbone,” GGF track physician Dr. David Seftel said. “He may have some rib fractures on the left side. He also has a contusion on his right forehead, bruising of his hips and pain in his left ankle.”

[JER]

According the The Blood-Horse, Commentator has a shin injury and has been taken out of training.

[system]

ESPN? That’s great! Everytime Lost in the Fog wins & it’s televised I get to see my mom & Harry on TV in the winner’s circle. It’s a kick. Harry is having the time of his life. One interesting side effect that has struck both mom & Harry is an intense case of superstition.

[Glimmerglass]

Looks like those of you in the Bay area might get to see LITF one more time before the BC Sprint And taking on older horses no less

TB Times 9-7-05 “Bay Meadows hoping ’Fog’ rolls in on October 1”

Excerpt:

Bay Meadows Race Course announced Wednesday that it was adding a stakes to its fall meet with the goal of enticing the sprint sensation Lost in the Fog, who is based in the Bay Area at nearby Golden Gate Fields.

The six-furlong race, dubbed the Speed Handicap and carrying a purse of $100,000, is open to three-year-olds and older and will be run on Saturday, October 1.

“I’m very happy this race has come about,” said Gilchrist. “It definitely would fit our schedule well. I’d have to say we’re very interested.”

[Glimmerglass]

The San Francisco Chronicle has a good picture of LITF cruising to Saturday’s victory

Originially posted by gilmanr:

Finally, in the winner’s circle, as Harry Aleo waved to his admirers, a man who appeared to be only about ten years less grizzled than Harry himself stopped applauding long enough to confide, “First time in my life I’ve clapped for a goddam Republican.”

Now that should be one of year-end top quotes

[JER]

Notice he’s giving THIRTEEN POUNDS to one horse. (Gee, I feel sorry for that jockey!)

At least he’s not running in NY – that 13 pounds could have been about 30 pounds!

Kinsa, you’re lucky. I’m sure it’ll be a great time. It’s very nice that BM put this race together and even better that Aleo/Gilchrist are doing this for the local fans.

[Glimmerglass]

NBC Sports is telecasting Saturday’s eight-race Sunshine Million series and Lost In The Fog is there to take his lion’s share of the $250,000 loot

At six-furlongs it should suit him fine … I just hope that California speed comes with him. It should be great to watch!

Unbeaten Lost in the Fog searches for third win in Ocala Stud Dash
Thoroughbred Times
1/25/2005

After scoring emphatic victories at Turf Paradise and Golden Gate Fields in the first two starts of his career, Lost in the Fog will start on the other side of the country on Saturday at Gulfstream Park in the $250,000 Ocala Stud Dash for three-year-olds on the Sunshine Millions program.

[snip]

Lost in the Fog will take on nine rivals in the six-furlong Ocala Stud Dash, including three-time stakes winner B. B. Best.

A Florida-bred son of Yes It’s True, B. B. Best cuts back to one turn after finishing fourth to Greater Good in the 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) on November 27 at Churchill Downs. B. B. Best won the Dr. Fager division of the Florida Stallion Stakes at six furlongs on August 14 at Calder Race Course. He also took the In Reality division of the Florida Stallion Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on October 23 at Calder.

[snip]

All starters carry 120 pounds.

The field, in post-position order, with (sire), jockey, weight, and trainer:

1. Lucky Frolic (Carson City), Earlie Fires, Milton Wolfson;
2. Kruel Intention (Gold Case), Joe Bravo, Arthur Silvera;
3. B. B. Best (Yes It’s True), Eddie Castro, Eddie Plesa Jr.;
4. Lost in the Fog (Lost Soldier), Russell Baze, Greg Gilchrist;
5. Packy (Petersburg), Gary Boulanger, Mark Glatt;
6. Bushwacker (Outflanker), Rafael Bejarano, Bill Currin;
   a-7. Seize the Day (Montbrook), Patrick Valenzuela, Kristin Mulhall;
   a-8. Run Thruthe Sun (Memo [Chi]), Jon Court, Peter Eurton;
7. Santana Strings (Wheaton), John Velazquez, Steve Asmussen; and
8. Primitive Man (Outflanker), Jorge Chavez, Mike Mitchell.

a-coupled entry

[JER]

Ray Paulick has a nice column on LITF at the Blood-Horse: Rolling Along – Ray Paulick

He calls LITF “America’s most popular racehorse” and notes that an Aug 29 poll of racing writers shows they consider LITF to be the nation’s best runner as well. I think as of last week, LITF was left off a number of writers’ lists and earning lowly places on others. Winning a Grade 1 at Saratoga probably has something to do with it but it’s been clear for a while that LITF is something special.

As for distances, LITF has set track records at 6 and 6 1/2 f so he might be better suited to under 7 f but I think the important thing for his trainer is to keep LITF’s confidence up. This is a horse who believes in himself and you don’t want to mess with a winning attitude.

[Glimmerglass]

From the Boston Globe of all publications a few days ago … nothing terribly new but at least making some noise in other big city newspapers.

Clearly, ‘Fog’ is special
Sprinter will be a factor in Horse of Year picture

By Ron Indrisano, Globe Staff
September 3, 2005 Boston Globe

Sprinters are often treated as second-class citizens in the racing game, with deference almost always going to horses who can cover a distance. But every once in a while a sprinter comes along who is so good he is taken seriously.

Lost in the Fog is such a horse. At 9 for 9 for his career, and 7 for 7 this season, the son of Lost Soldier is a contender not only for 3-year-old champion, but also Horse of the Year. If he wins the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint against older horses at Belmont Park Oct. 29, his credentials will have to be weighed against those of fellow sophomore Afleet Alex, who captured the Preakness and Belmont but is now on the shelf with ankle woes.

Last Saturday, Lost in the Fog survived a major bump at the break, then ran away from the field in the $250,000 King’s Bishop Stakes at Saratoga. Ridden by Russell Baze, he went through a quarter in :22, a half in :44 3/5, and 6 furlongs in 1:09. At that point he had a lead of 5 1/2 lengths, and the 7-furlong race was effectively over. He crossed under the wire 4 3/4 lengths in front in 1:22 2/5.

This year, Lost in the Fog has won four times at 7 furlongs and three times at 6 furlongs. He is so fast in the early going that he is clearly at his best running 6 furlongs – his margins of victory are 4 1/2, 10, and 7 1/4 lengths – and that is the distance of the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

''It always seems like there is other speed in the race, but when they kick in, Lost in the Fog is always in front," said Greg Gilchrist, who trains Lost in the Fog for owner Harry Aleo. ''I sure like seeing those orange silks on the lead, and when Russell is looking behind him when he’s 3 [lengths] in front, that’s an even better feeling. This is the first Grade I I’ve ever won, and it’s great.

'‘People have to realize he ships around [his last six races have been at different tracks: Gulfstream, Aqueduct, Golden Gate, Belmont, Calder, and Saratoga]. To keep putting on these kinds of performances, it just takes a special horse to do that. I think he is recognized by the right people. He makes it look so easy. I think his chances of being at Belmont Park a couple of months from now are very good. If I had my druthers, I would like to train him up to the Breeders’ Cup. If I can find something in California against older horses, that would be a possibility."

''This horse has handled so many tracks that I didn’t see the Saratoga track being a big factor," said Baze. ''You’ve got to take your hat off to Greg. He’s taken good care of this horse, and entered him in races where he belongs. A couple of guys have said he hasn’t met the best, but we’ve taken on all comers, and he’s handled them pretty nicely."

All seven races Lost in the Fog, a mere $48,000 yearling, has won this season have been stakes. In succession, he took the Sunshine Millions Dash (at Gulfstream), the Swale, the Bay Shore, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Riva Ridge, the Carry Back, and the King’s Bishop.

''You don’t get one like him too often," said Gilchrist. ''It’s all in his makeup. He gets bored with his surroundings if he’s in one place too long. If you ship him, it picks him right back up. If he did win out, that’s a pretty good record. I think it would be good enough to win the Eclipse Award, but I don’t know how people will look at it. Sprinters aren’t held in the same esteem as horses who go the route. But you’re asking the wrong guy, because I’d certainly vote for him. It’s going to be very hard not to support a horse who’s 10 for 10.

''I certainly think he can make a mile. I have no doubt about that. If you get past a mile, that’s something we’ll all have to find out. If he could go out to a mile and one-eighth or longer, your guess is as good as mine. But I bet he’d be in front. Keeping him in sprints is the track we took. It’s worked for us.

''Next year you’ll see him go a route. We haven’t been afraid to go a route. It’s just that the sprint races came along at a good time. We weren’t real serious about running in the Kentucky Derby. We didn’t feel the Derby was our best chance to win. He would have been right up on the pace, and it would have been suicide for us. I’m sure there’s going to be a day we’ll all meet and answer the question of who’s best."

[Kinsa]

Hmmm. This is the list of nominations for the Travers.

Travers Nominations

I wonder when there will be an update of the final field for the King’s Bishop.