LITF Returns Saturday
– Sprint champion Lost in the Fog makes his four-year-old debut on Saturday in the Golden Gate Sprint. The race is the first for “the cool dude” since he finished seventh in the 2005 Breeders’ Cup Sprint after winning his first 10 starts. Four others are entered in the Sprint, but only one — Carthage — appears to have the speed to challenge him. Carthage won his last two starts, earning Beyer speed figures of 108 and 105 for the efforts, and is coming off a two-month layoff, as opposed to Lost in the Fog’s six-month break. Trainer Greg Gilchrist considers the race “strictly a prep” and warned bettors that Lost in the Fog might not win. “This will not be Lost in the Fog’s best race,” he said.
– In her first start since winning the Coaching Club American Oaks last July, champion filly Smuggler will also return to the track this Saturday in the Bed o’ Roses Breeders’ Cup Handicap at Aqueduct. “She’s bigger and stronger than she was last year,” said trainer Shug McGaughey. “I’m really looking forward to getting her started.” Smuggler, who’s been in and out of training because of illness, has previously won off a lengthy layoff.
– Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Silver Train was upset in the third at Aqueduct this afternoon. Sent off at 1-2 in a three-horse field, Silver Train finished second by one length to Spooky Mulder. “He ran a good race. It’s a good set-up for his next race,” said trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. “As long as he returns to form at Belmont, we’re going to be good.” Silver Train is expected to start in next month’s Met Mile at Belmont. Spooky Mulder, a formidable eight-year-old gelding who’s now won 25 and is 4-for-7 over the Aqueduct main track, was claimed for $100,000 out of the optional claiming/allowance race by trainer Patrick Reynolds for owner Paul Pompa Jr.
– Taking advantage of a narrow opening on the rail, Gorella pulled ahead in the stretch to win a turf allowance by 1 1/4 lengths over Sabellina at Keeneland on Wednesday. The four-year-old French filly finished third to Artie Schiller and Leroidesanimaux in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile and she’ll challenge males again in her second start of the year, the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic on the Kentucky Derby undercard. “Why not?” said trainer Patrick Biancone. “She is very good right now.”
– Oklahoma Training Track opened on Tuesday. About 100 horses are on the grounds so far, with another 100 or so expected by the start of next week.
