Gilchrist runs promising filly pair

SAN MATEO, Calif. - Trainer Greg Gilchrist is the first to admit he's been blessed with a number of talented young horses of late.

"We've been pretty lucky to have the kind we've got," said Gilchrist, the trainer of Lost in the Fog, Smokey Stover, Victorina, Vicarino, Soviet Problem, and Frisco Star.

But his crop of 2-year-old fillies this year may be the best he's ever had.

He sends out two of his budding stars, High Resolve and Heaven on Hold, in Thursday's Bay Meadows feature, a $40,000 optional claimer at six furlongs.

"We bought more this year than in the past," he said. "We've been pretty fortunate with most of them."

Arguably the best of his 2-year-old fillies is Indyanne, who is recuperating from ankle surgery. She won her debut by 10 lengths and defeated stablemate This Side Up by six in the Bay Meadows Debutante.

But the debut by High Resolve, who makes her second start on Thursday, was as spectacular as Indyanne's. Her nine-length victory earned a higher Beyer, 95, than Indyanne's best of 88. It's too early to make comparisons between the two, but Gilchrist said High Resolve has lived up to expectations thus far.

Gilchrist spent $135,000 for her in April at Ocala for owner Harry Aleo, who also owns the Breeders' Cup-bound Smokey Stover.

"She's by the sire of Smokey Stover," he said, referring to Put It Back. "We are paying attention to his babies.

"We liked what we saw when she worked. There wasn't a whole lot of pedigree, but we're partial to the sire. When we looked at her at the barn, she has all the things we like."

Stablemate Heaven on Hold seems to be her biggest rival. She comes back 10 days after winning her debut, earning a Beyer of 74.

"We're probably coming back a little quick," Gilchrist said. "She certainly ran a big race, too, but it wasn't as impressive as High Resolve's."

Both fillies defeated Bandits to Riches, High Resolve by nine lengths, High on Heaven by one.

The field also includes Sassy Blend, making her first start since finishing third in the Juan Gonzalez at Pleasanton on Juneo30, and Storm Seige, who beat males in a stakes at Boise on June 23.