What do y'all think of this one's chances? Worked in 47 yesterday. Ran a nice race in the Vosburgh off a 4 month layoff. He seems to take himself absurdly out of races in the early going, which is a concern. On the other hand, he's got class, speed, and may be coming up to the Sprint in good form. Thoughts?

I'll find a way to use him Gooch. He's capable of some big efforts at times while other times he's a bit flat. Had a good prep that he'll move forward off of and at his price he could beef up the exotics nicely. I'd like to see a nice easy breeze next week just to stretch his legs after todays solid drill. That seems to be Pletcher's MO when one of his runners are gonna fire big and would give me that much more confidence in using him.

Frank.... I couldn't wait till this thread dropped to page two.
Shhhhhhhh... We ' ve got to keep this one a S E C R E T , my friend !

IMHO, you've discovered the only runner in the field that has a chance to beat LITF.
No question, FOGGY IS FASTEST... but, cross-comparing the 7 furlong races,
and focusing on the 3rd Call of each runner, it appears to me that the 'Fogster'
will have several at his throat-latch throughout the furious early and middle stages
of the Spint... and that will take it's toll on the entire vangard.
...and late race, very late in the race, THAT IS WHEN

will dig deep and draw upon his CLASS and EXPERIENCE... to light up the tote!

I'd love to see Lost In The Fog win this race, and then the Malibu on Dec. 26th!
To my mind, there would be no doubt that he should be Horse of the Year.
...but even then, I don't think he'd receive enough votes to win the title.
The worst part about a LITF loss is going to be the 'I TOLD YOU SO' from Mike Watchmaker.

Dell,

Love your graphics -- Lion Tamer certainly has a shot -- I prefer Wildcat Heir and Battle Won to beat Foggy -- I will be curious to see how low he is bet -- I despise Watchmaker as well -- As a fan I am rooting for The Fog-- why did u tell Gooch about the trains and other voices in my head ?-- Best of luck - Greg

The writer James Quinn always says that the "power sprinters" are those who've also won a G1/G2 race at 8 f.+ Lion Tamer fits the bill with his win in the Cigar Mile last year (Beyer 111).

This rationale hasn't always panned out. (It's horse racing. No rationale works all the time.) More Than Ready comes to mind as one who just wasn't quick enough for this spot. El Corredor simply ran a clunker at Belmont in '01. But Honest Lady nearly caught Kona Gold in '00, and Grand Slam was a bomber who placed in '97.

The middle-distance winners include Precisionist, Gulch, Cherokee Run, Artax and Orientate. But all but Precisionist had more 6 f. experience than does Lion Tamer.

I'm not sure that I agree with Quinn's contention that the sprint specialists win only in the absence of a power spinter. I think the Sprint has become just as much a specialist race as the Mile is. But Lion Tamer will be a nice price, so I'm definitely using him.

Vagrant,
This has always been a favorite angle of mine in the Sprint. I've always looked for milers who are dropping back in distance. That's why I give Gygistar a big shot. I don't know if anyone can touch LITF, but I'm convinced Gygistar will run a big race and be in the picture.
Steve

I'm starting to think you might be right, Steve. I mean, if I like Lion Tamer, it's only logical to like Gygistar, too. His figs are better and he's got a better record at Belmont. And he's not gonna come from the proverbial clouds. That's not been a good strategy since Jenine Sahadi won back-to-back Sprints that way about 10-12 years ago.

Believe it or not, I had both of those deep closers; Lit de Justice and Elmhurst. Elmhurst's surge to the wire was one of the most exciting moments I've experienced in 30 years.
Steve

What about Silver Train cutting back in distance from the Jerome. He lacks the class of LT, but that's a fast horse.