'Queen' returns home
SAN MATEO, Calif. - Queenmab'sdaughter returns to northern California in an attempt to regain her winning form in Sunday's Bay Meadows feature, a $62,500 optional claimer for fillies and mares at six furlongs.
A 4-year-old filly, is winless in three starts since venturing south to meet stakes company last year. She has hit the board in 8 of 9 northern California starts.
She faces five rivals Sunday, including the speedy , a stakes winner here in the Courtship Stakes as a 2-year-old; and Gotta Go Gal, who has hit the board in her past four starts.
"She has no conditions," said Queenmab's daughter's trainer, John Martin, who entered her for a $62,500 claiming tag. "Right now, we've got to run her for a tag."
Queenmab'sdaughter went south to run in the Cal-bred Melair Stakes at Hollywood Park last spring. She was part of the pace for six furlongs before fading and then went to the sidelines for 10 months.
She was rank early in the $108,000 Pro or Con Handicap in her comeback, then went to Turf Paradise and finished fourth in the Cactus Flower Stakes. She rejoined Martin's barn nearly two weeks ago.
"Once you win your allowance conditions, it's tough to find a good spot," Martin said.
"She fits a lot better here. I hope we can turn her around and get her going in the right direction. I always liked this filly."
Queenmab'sdaughter should get a nice stalking trip behind Bubbles Again, who is drawn just inside her. Queenmab'sdaughter has only galloped for Martin, but she should be set for a strong effort with three works in Southern California since her April 15 Turf Paradise stakes try.
Lost in the Fog works fast
Eclipse sprint champion Lost in the Fog worked five furlongs in 58.20 seconds Friday morning at Golden Gate Fields. The move tied 3-year-old stablemate Smokey Stover's as the best of 31 works at the distance.
Lost in the Fog had fractions of 11.80, 23.40, 34.80, and 46.80 en route to his final time, with Golden Gate clockers reporting he galloped out nicely after the work.
Trainer Greg Gilchrist said he will make a decision this weekend as to Lost in the Fog's next race. Gilchrist is considering the $100,000 Beck Auto Group Turf Stakes, a five-furlong turf stakes May 29 at Lone Star Park, or the Grade 3, $150,000 Aristides Breeders' Cup, a six-furlong dirt stakes June 3 at Churchill Downs, for Lost in the Fog's next start.