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

[lizathenag]

from the daughter of the woman usually standing next to Harry in the winner’s circle. . .

I just spoke to Harry & mom again this afternoon while they were waiting for the shuttle to take them to their car from the airport. They were less depressed than they were last night but said Greg (the trainer) had called and is still completely down in the dumps. I think the one everyone is really heartbroken for is Greg…he did everything right but LITF just wasn’t in the mood yesterday. Even before he was saddled for the race Greg told Harry something wasn’t quite normal with him. He was acting nervous & kicking at things and just generally “off” while he was waiting in the detention barn prior to the race. They couldn’t find anything actually wrong with him so everyone was just crossing their fingers & hoping he felt like running. Afterwards, Russell (the jockey) said LITF was “out of sorts” and after they fell back he pulled him up a little and just cruised homed. They’ve all re-hashed the race 1000 times now and apparently LITF just didn’t feel like tearing up the track yesterday. But on the good side, he’s sound & will be back next year to start the fun all over again. Right now he’s headed down to Florida for a few months R & R before heading back to California. Everyone knows HOTY is gone but are still hoping for an Eclipse award for Sprinter of the year. Despite the ending, it was one thrilling year for everyone who loves & admires LITF.

Feel free to share that with the forum if you think people would enjoy hearing about it.

[Glimmerglass]

MDO thanks for the races link & the workout video!

Glimanr, I loved the commentary by the CBS reporter on LITF as it would seem in tone not unlike comments from Bill Nack regarding Secretariat just before the Belmont Stakes (“he’s like an executioner, he looked like he was going to dispatch someone”) …

With LITF doing a 2-mile gallop it sounds more like Afleet Alex’s old schedules!

Liza I think you’ve got a real keeper there (the San Francisco Reader with Foggy ont he cover) - some of the photos on the linked web page looked very nice. In particular the b&w with the sky and Russel up on Foggy.

[system]

I was lucky enough to fly LITF from Indy to Oakland this week. He is really something to see. He is a good flyer but will try and bite you if you give him the chance. I can’t wait to see him run again.

[La_Luz]

I’d be afraid to face LITF even if I had one of those horses…I mean, if he wins the Sprint, then…I dunno. They might have to start paying people to race against him. He’s a monster.

[Glimmerglass]

… in case you wondered he’s still fast

The Blood-Horse 1/18/05 “Talking about the speed of this crop of 3-year-olds, the aforementioned Lost in the Fog, who has run freakishly fast times in both his starts, worked five furlongs last Saturday [1/15/05] in a scorching :57 4/5 over a dead strip at Golden Gate. The next fastest work of the 42 at that distance was 1:00 4/5.”

Wow - a 3 second gap in work out times at the same distance!

[lizathenag]

bobblehead LITF!!

I accidently opened the Golden Gate Fields webpage at work today (honest!) and discovered they are giving away LITF bobblehead dolls on April 22.

guess I will get there early. I already have a Seabiscuit one.

[lizathenag]

from the LITF watch on the GGF website

LOST IN THE FOG DRILLS SIX FURLONGS IN 1:11.01

 Lost in the Fog, continuing preparations for his 2006 racing campaign, worked six furlongs in 1:11.01 handily prior to the start of Sunday's racing card at Golden Gate Fields.  
 Jockey Russell Baze was aboard Lost in the Fog, who posted fractional times of :23.46 (first two furlongs), :46.75 (four furlongs) and :58.71 (five furlongs).  Lost in the Fog galloped out seven furlongs in 1:26.03.
 The nation's champion sprinter of 2005, Lost in the Fog is trained by Greg Gilchrist and owned by Harry J. Aleo of San Francisco.
 "That was just right," said Gilchrist.  "Anywhere between 1:11 and 1:12 was what we wanted.  Next week we want to do the same, although he'll work closer to 6 1/2 furlongs."
 "I got him into the bit a little more," said Baze.  "We're trying to get a little more air into him.  This was his first three-quarter (of a mile) work so we didn't want to do too much."
 Lost in the Fog hasn't raced since finishing seventh in the Breeders' Cup Sprint at Belmont Park on Oct. 29.  A 4-year-old colt by Lost Soldier, Lost in the Fog has 10 victories in 11 career starts, including nine stakes triumphs.  
 Lost in the Fog is scheduled to make his 2006 debut in the $100,000 Golden Gate Fields Sprint on Saturday, April 22.  The Golden Gate Fields Sprint is a six-furlong race for 4-year-olds and up.
 Fans attending Golden Gate Fields on April 22 will receive a free Lost in the Fog bobblehead.

[Glimmerglass]

Bobblehead of LITF

Now Liza that will be a great gift to pick up and I’m sure GGF will find a big ruch for them. Hmmm … I will just have to think of a way to snag one

Spectacular Bid bobblehead dolls (given to Churchill Twin Spire members in 2004; 8,500 made) fetch $22 + in the open market: Image of Bid bobblehead

Looking forward to LITF making his 2006 debut!

[Glimmerglass]

A bit off topic

As was cited in the posting below by me was the death of Egghead and also Saratoga County (plus a few others); this week’s Thoroughbred Times March 27 has a nice - but certainly somber - article on Dubai winner, Saratoga County.

@Glimmerglass

Many are out there, here is one example: LITF wins the G-2 Riva Ridge with Russ Baze, up - from Exclusively Equine, photo by Adam Coglianese. The Riva Ridge was the closest victory he has ever had in his career to this day. Held at Belmont June 11, 2005 he beat Egghead by just 1 1/4 lengths.

An aside, one month to the day the very valiant Egghead died. Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, he was treated for a cut on a hock, was administered a product by Wedgewood pharmacy then per The Thoroughbred Times developed diarrhea and subsequent laminitis and was euthanized on July 11. G1 winner Saratoga County also died from complications linked to this same company’s products. The firm was sued in October 2005 by several owners and an outcome is still pending.

[Glimmerglass]

Lost in the Fog goes fast in four-furlong work
Daily Racing Form April 11, 2006

Baze came back to the Bay Area on Saturday in order to work Lost in the Fog on Sunday.

The Eclipse-winning sprinter last year, Lost in the Fog rolled four furlongs out of the gate in 46.40 seconds, the fastest work of 47 runners by 1.60 seconds.

“Greg told me to ask him a bit if he was handling the track,” Baze said. “He breaks so hard, the ground just breaks from under him. He kind of scrambled a little bit leaving there, but he quickly gathered himself and was straight as a string.”

Gilchrist plans a five-furlong work in company next weekend as Lost in the Fog’s final preparation for his return to action in the Golden Gate Fields Sprint on April 22.

Gilchrist’s assistant, Linda Thrash, supervised the work while Gilchrist was returning from Chicago.

“He did great,” said Thrash. She had her hands full as usual with Lost in the Fog, who was still rambunctious after the work. “The only thing is he’s mad because he didn’t get to do more.”

Thirteen horses have been nominated for the six-furlong Golden Gate Fields Sprint, including Carthage, who has won three straight, including a pair of stakes.

[Glimmerglass]

Countdown to Saturday’s return!

DRF 4-18-06 “‘Fog’ returns with eye on Cup”

The curtain for Lost in the Fog, Act 2, opens Saturday in the $100,000 Golden Gate Fields Sprint. The race will be the first for Lost in the Fog since he finished seventh in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint last Oct. 29 at Belmont, the only loss of his career.

Owner Harry Aleo, trainer Greg Gilchrist, and jockey Russell Baze can’t wait. Neither, it seems, can Lost in the Fog, who has not missed a beat in preparation for his defense of his 2005 Eclipse Award as the champion sprinter.

His final work Saturday was a five-furlong drill at Golden Gate in an eye-popping 57 seconds, which was more than two seconds the best of 39 runners at the distance that morning.

“He’s back to his old ornery self, and that’s good,” said Baze, who was aboard for the work. “Even after that work, when the pony came up, he tried to bite his neck, and I really had to jerk on the reins to stop him.”

Gilchrist said he couldn’t be happier with Lost in the Fog’s preparations for his return to the races. Lost in the Fog has worked 10 times for Saturday’s race and has not missed a single workout despite the record rainfall this winter in northern California.

Lost in the Fog, 4, may not have many rivals Saturday, and the race could become a virtual match race between him and speedball Carthage, who has won the San Carlos Handicap and Fairfax Stakes in his last two starts, earning triple-digit Beyers both times.

If there’s a good time to meet Lost in the Fog, it may be Saturday.

“This will not be Lost in the Fog’s best race,” said Gilchrist.

The real goal in 2006 is the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Churchill Downs, and the Golden Gate Fields Sprint is only the first step. The reality is that Saturday is a prep race, even if it is on Lost in the Fog’s home track, even if it may be his one and only northern California appearance of the year.

And there is a certain pressure on Gilchrist.

“This is Lost in the Fog,” he said. “He’s not supposed to lose.”

Lost in the Fog ran nine times in 2005. He flew cross-country seven times, with three trips to Florida and four to New York, gaining a national reputation along the way.

Racing fans love speed, and Lost in the Fog has that in abundance. He earned triple-digit Beyers in his first 10 starts and became such a headliner that Gilchrist became the first losing trainer in Breeders’ Cup history to have to conduct a postrace interview in the interview room for all the press.

Lost in the Fog’s campaign will be different this year as he shoots for the one goal that eluded him last year, a Breeders’ Cup victory. Gilchrist said he plans to run Lost in the Fog only four or five times before the Breeders’ Cup but has not mapped out specific races yet.

“A horse only has so many races,” Gilchrist said. “When you use them is up to you. If the Breeders’ Cup is the goal, you try to get there and make it your best race of the year.”

Gilchrist said he would not crisscross the country this year. He believes that the cross-country travel last year took a toll on Lost in the Fog.

“I doubt we’ll make three trips to Florida and three to New York before the Breeders’ Cup this year,” he said. "That last race was too much. We’d squeezed the lemon dry and went one too many times.

“I knew we’d be in trouble in the paddock, but when he took for the lead turning for home I hoped I was wrong. When he didn’t pull away, I knew it was over.”

Aleo has been in racing for 27 years and loves going to the track in the morning, perhaps even more than coming to the races in the afternoon. When Lost in the Fog gallops past him, he said, he sometimes has to pinch himself.

As for Gilchrist: “How many people get to train an Eclipse Award winner?” he said.

Gilchrist may be training Lost in the Fog a lot longer. Aleo said he plans to run him this year and next.

“My life’s a hell of a lot more exciting than it was,” Aleo said. “We’re going to run as long as he’s healthy. You can’t put a price on this last year. If I just wanted money, I’d still be working. Watching him run, that’s the whole fun and joy of owning horses.”

I’m looking forward to his return, win or lose, it will be nice to see him back.

Liza, are you still going to see Fog in this race?

[Glimmerglass]

I see that Golden Gate Fields (and rightfully so) has quite a page devoted to LITF: GGF Feature horse: Lost In The Fog

Not surprising is that someone was pre-selling on eBay Lost in the Fog bobbleheads before the Apr 22nd promotional giveaway

eBay item #8790432636 (sold for $19)

I loved the seller comment: I am making a special trip to nothern California for this one. Also to watch a very special horse. I am selling the bobble at a very reasonable price so get one while you can. The 1st 10 people to buy one should have no problem getting there [sic] bobble but for some reason something happens and I cannot get your bobble your money will be promptly Refunded I will try my best to get them. I have a small army that will be there that day.

[lizathenag]

you bet I am!

[QUOTE=Glimmerglass
Liza, are you still going to see Fog in this race?[/QUOTE]

table at the turf club for 4 and no takers (other than my partner. . .)

[lizathenag]

you bet I am!

@Glimmerglass

Liza, are you still going to see Fog in this race?

I have two extra seats at my table in the Turf Club and no takers. . .

[A_Splash_of_Color]

from The Blood-Horse:

"Lost in the Fog Carries 125 in 2006 Debut
by Blood-Horse Staff
Date Posted: 4/19/2006 8:56:11 PM
Last Updated: 4/19/2006 9:45:06 PM

Lost in the Fog, the nation’s champion sprinter last year, will carry 125 pounds when he faces four rivals Saturday in his 2006 debut in the $100,000 Oakland Tribune Golden Gate Fields Sprint.

. . . .

$100,000 Oakland Tribune Golden Gate Fields Sprint (Race 8, 4:25 p.m.), 4 & Up, 6 Furlongs
PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey

1. Carthage (KY), 116, Dennis Carr
2. Seattle Buddy (KY), 116, Martin Garcia
3. Lost in the Fog (FL), 125, Russell Baze
4. Elegant Ice (CA), 116, Francisco Duran
5. Twentythreejaybird (PA), 116, Chad Schvaneveldt"

[Glimmerglass]

Liza I’m sure you’ll get two more people willing to go to the track to see the speedball himself - not to mention just enjoy placing a few bucks on the ponies

Regarding this race I suppose it is part of the build up and desire to attract interest of what cold be a predicted win, but comments from Greg have seemingly suggested that LITF could lose

“This will not be Lost in the Fog’s best race,” said Gilchrist.

San Francisco Chronicle 4-20-06 “Carthage top threat in ‘Fog’ return”:

“From what I’ve seen on paper, I would definitely say that Carthage looks like a very nice horse and deserves a whole lot of respect,” said Greg Gilchrist, who trains Lost in the Fog. "One thing that does concern me is the layoff. And we have to give away a lot of weight. I’m not complaining about weight; we’ve got the Eclipse Award winner here, but I do hate to start out at 125. It’s not so much Saturday, but if he wins way off, what do you command next time?

[NMK]

Nine Pounds in a Sprint

That’s a lot to give away to a legit contender. Good luck LITF.

Nancy

[Xctrygirl]

Wow. I don’t care what the reasons they suggest, but the times were insanely fast. Big cheers for both LITF and Carthage.

I thought the race was well worth sitting here on an ok internet connection and praying that it would come through.

Carthage pulled away by 3-4 and the times were 21: 43: 55: 109

Dear God they were smoking.

But so great to see a great race.

~Emily

[Kinsa]

Bobbleheads Available

I have two extra LITF bobbleheads from my trip to GGF today. I haven’t opened the packages, so I’m assuming they’re in perfect condition. If anyone wants one, I would appreciate $$ to cover shipping costs (unless you’re local - then you can just come pick it up) - I’ll have to weigh them and get the postage depending on your zipcode.

[Kinsa]

Nobody’s perfect…

I just keep telling myself…none of the greats was ever undefeated. Look at Seabiscuit! I still think LITF was the best horse today - he just didn’t bring his “A” race to the track. Maybe they’ll put a little less weight on him the next time out.

On the up side…I was riding up the escalator as Harry was riding down right before they came to the paddock, and we made eye contact and smiled at each other. And after the race, Greg was riding down the escalator right behind me. I turned around and introduced myself and shook his hand. I know it wasn’t the best moment for him, being right after the race, but it was a very nice happening for me.