Lost in the Fog easily Defeated in Comeback

For the second straight time, Lost in the Fog suffered defeat. Although this was his first race in 6 months, he was sent off the 2 to 5 favorite. A large on-track crowd let out its customary roar as Lost in the Fog seemed to be back to his old ways with his patented un-requested move on the far turn; but Carthage, the 7 to 5 second choice, was not impressed and doggedly fought back to a neck advantage. Carthage than dug in and put two lengths on Lost in the Fog entering the stretch. Carthage ran with his head high and lengthened with every stride.

Russell Baze stated he would not abuse Lost in the Fog in his return to racing. He went to the right hand whip then switched to a left hand when Lost in the Fog uncharacteristically drifted inward. Baze asked for enough, in my opinion, so the race was not a complete laugher. Things were seriously getting out of hand in the stretch, as Carthage came to run, and he was going to slap eight to ten on this field if allowed. Lost in the Fog did dig in and ran on for a respectable second place finish beaten about two lengths. He galloped out about another quarter mile past the finish line.

He passed Carthage near the first turn and continued a brisk gallop to about mid-turn. Baze then turn him around quickly, and galloped Lost in the Fog back to his applauding grooming at a very fast pace. Lost in the Fog looked like he could have gone back on the track and run another 6 furlong race, unlike the winner, who in my opinion, left everything he had on the track during the race. My hat is off to the winner he ran his heart out. The final time on a dull race track was 109 flat. Of interest are the opening quarter of 21.35 and half mile time of 43.75 where Lost in the Fog did his serious running.

Of note for Lost in the Fog fans. He did not prance into the saddling area as he did prior to breaking the track record. He broke from the gate very well. He ran a blazing opening quarter sitting right outside Carthage. He ran nose and nose with Carthage into the turn. Lost in the Fog made his patented move on the turn without being asked through a half mile of 43.75. Once again, the patented move did not impress Carthage and he did not fold up tent and leave rather, he dug in and retook the lead. Lost in the Fog did not continue is burst after his move and Baze did not ask him for more immediately. Once Carthage reengaged Lost in the Fog, he was either unwilling or unable to quicken. When asked at the head of the stretch after giving Carthage a two length head start, Lost in the Fog responded after lugging in. Lost in the Fog finish the race very strong and galloped out. I would almost think this was a prep for a stretch-out race of 7 furlong or a route race the way he galloped out. He has his speed; he has stamina. He looked far better than the winner who was noticeably tired after the race. Lost in the Fog looked very strong and fit. Special Note: Carthage ran the race of his life.

I think it is probably a good thing Baze did not immediately ask Lost in the Fog when Carthage reengaged on the turn. The race would have turned into a dog fight in my opinion to the wire. I believe that is the one thing Lost in the Fog’s connections wanted to avoid, an all out stretch drive off a six month layoff. That is exactly what Carthage and Dennis Carr was prepared to deliver. Carthage was a very game and determined horse today, who should make some noise on the national level this year if his connections decide to take that course. This was Carthage’s fourth consecutive win. He is a 6 year old Gray Gelding by Smoke Glacken out of the Dam Halomatic. He has won over $240,000 with over half of that coming over the past 6 months.

On the bright side, Lost in the Fog fans should get better odds next time.

Cleveland Polite
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