Exit Stage Left back from injury in Lost in the Fog Stakes

Exit Stage Left has been perfect in his career. He won the six-furlong Golden Nugget Stakes in his debut in 2013, the one-mile Gold Rush in his second start, and the 1 1/16-mile California Derby in start No. 3 before tearing a tendon in his right front leg while preparing for last year’s El Camino Real Derby.

That perfect record is on the line Monday, when he takes on six rivals, four of whom are stakes winners, in the $50,000-added Lost in the Fog Stakes at six furlongs at Golden Gate Fields.

The 4-year-old Noonmark colt was a $100,000 purchase at Barretts as a 2-year-old in training in March 2013. He came into his debut well regarded as the even-money favorite. He showed improvement in each start and likely would have been the El Camino Real Derby’s favorite if not for his injury.

As this race neared, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said he was undecided about entering the colt here unless he got another six-furlong work into him. Exit Stage Left worked six furlongs in 1:15 flat last Thursday and came out of it well enough that Hollendorfer entered him. Exit Stage left has worked six times since Jan. 13, including the last two at six furlongs.

His rivals have recency on their side, except for Giant Sandman, an Irish-bred 8-year-old who is a group stakes winner in both Norway and Germany. Giant Sandman is making his U.S. debut for Southern California trainer Sean McCarthy and his first start since Feb. 13, 2014.

LOST IN THE FOG STAKES (RACE 7)

KEY CONTENDERS

Exit Stage Left (Last 3 Beyers: 87-77-71)

* Stalking style will serve him well here, as it did in his debut in the 2013 Golden Nugget, with runners such as Marino’s Wild Cat guaranteeing a fast pace. Leading rider Russell Baze knows him well and should get the best out of him. He’ll need to.

Mr. Bowling (Last 3 Beyers: 87-82-86)

* Multiple stakes winner has run well since coming here. He closed nicely last time to lose by a nose to arguably Northern California’s top sprinter, Streamside. He’s probably better around two turns, but he should get a clear trip with his outside draw and will be flying at the finish. He can sprint, with a win and two seconds in four starts at this distance.

Fleet Eagle (Last 3 Beyers: 86-79-88)

* Stakes-placed runner was sent north for a prep while pointing to this race and ran evenly to be third, one spot behind Mr. Bowling. He has three wins over the Tapeta synthetic surface at Presque Isle Downs. Has some speed and will put pressure on rail speedster Marino’s Wild Cat from the No. 2 post.