Smile Sprint Handicap preview

Lost in the Fog has world class speed, but he doesn't necessarily need the lead to win, and he draws a comfortable post outside several of the other prospective pacesetters in the Smile. He must tote top weight on Saturday, but he handled this track beautifully in last year's Carry Back, and should be right there when they swing into the stretch. It's hard to knock a horse that's won 11 of 13 starts, and his Beyer LOW is a 97. He's the best horse, and if he brings his 'A' game, then they're all running for second place.

Weigelia loves this course, will make the important third start of the form cycle, and has been racing in excellent form on both turf and dirt. The 10-time winner won the Jack Dudley Sprint for the second time in a row to close out his 2005 campaign, but switched back to his wrong lead in midstretch. He is very quick from the gate, and should be part of the pace picture along with Lost in the Fog, Pomeroy, Friendly Island, and Joey P.

Kelly's Landing gave Lost in the Fog a tussle in the Aristides at Churchill Downs, but he rarely runs two big races back to back. His stalking style fits this race perfectly, and he may be the one to benefit directly from a torrid pace duel.

Gold Storm and Gaff may sit good pace-tracking trips in the hope of gaining first run on the leaders. Nightmare Affair loves the Calder strip, and should be charging late.

Selections:
1. Lost in the Fog
2. Weigelia
3. Kelly's Landing