Marino's Wild Cat goes for Lost in the Fog repeat
The speedy Marino’s Wild Cat is back to defend his title in Monday’s $50,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes at Golden Gate Fields.
Marino’s Wild Cat hasn’t raced since last April, but he has had several fast works in preparation for his title defense, including a sizzling six-furlong work at Pleasanton in 1:10.80 on Feb. 3.
“He should be ready,” said trainer Cliff Delima. “We just decided to give him plenty of time.”
Leading rider Russell Baze has been working Marino’s Wild Cat and will ride him against seven rivals Monday.
The six-furlong Lost in the Fog, for 4-year-olds and up, will be run on the Tapeta main track. As well as Marino’s Wild Cat has trained on the dirt track at Pleasanton, the Tapeta track can be tiring, particularly for front-runners.
Marino’s Wild Cat is likely to set the pace. He’ll be challenged late by Outside Nashville, who has won two sprint stakes at Golden Gate with his late run.
Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, Outside Nashville has a solid record here of 4 wins, 3 seconds, and 1 third in 10 starts. Outside Nashville hasn’t raced in two months, but he won the Joseph T. Grace Handicap at Santa Rosa last summer off a seven-week layoff.
LOST IN THE FOG (race 7)
Key contenders
Marino’s Wild Cat, by Marino Marini
Last 3 Beyers: 87-93-92
◗ Marino’s Wild Cat has 14 works dating back to Oct. 29.
Outside Nashville, by Broken Vow
Last 3 Beyers: 85-89-91
◗ He might need help from Pablo Del Monte to soften up Marino’s Wild Cat.
Mah Gellin, by Skimming
Last 3 Beyers: 97-83-72
◗ Mah Gellin wore new “cheater” blinkers in his last start, winning an optional-claiming sprint here by four lengths Jan. 24. He earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 97.
“He ran off the charts,” said trainer Blaine Wright. “He’s always been a check earner. We’ll see if can take the next step. He deserves to be in the race.”
◗ He finished fourth in both the 2014 and 2015 Lost in the Fog.