Return sparks memories of 'Fog'

It was a bittersweet return to the scene of one of their proudest moments. Owner Harry Aleo and trainer Greg Gilchrist brought Victorina to Turf Paradise for the $40,000 Ahwatukee Express on Oct. 28, and as expected from the 1-5 favorite, she won in a romp, geared down by nearly five lengths. Then, just last Saturday, they brought in Smokey Stover, who finished second as the 1-2 favorite in the $40,000 Saguaro.

The last time Aleo and Gilchrist visited Turf Paradise was Dec. 26, 2004, when they brought in a 2-year-old sprinter named Lost in the Fog. He won the $50,000 Arizona Juvenile Stakes, setting a track record for 6 1/2 furlongs by finishing in 1:13.20, just .20 off the world record for the distance.

"I can't help be back here at Turf without recalling his performance in that stakes," said Gilchrist.

That win was part of a run that would take Lost in the Fog to a 10-for-10 record before he finished seventh in the BC Sprint to Silver Train, but Lost in the Fog was still named champion sprinter. Lost in the Fog died in September of cancer.

* Owner and breeder Karl Kreig and trainer Kathy Schenk unleashed a potential beast in the sixth race last Saturday. Particle of Light, a 3-year-old by Raisor's Edge, won his debut by seven lengths, and it could have been more. He ran the six furlongs in 1:08.40. An hour or so later, Sailors Sunset won the six-furlong Saguaro in 1:07.75.