Fog clears with a flying debut

There were two reasons why punters backed Dog In The Fog from 9-2 to 5-4 favourite before the start of Thursday’s 1000m opener at the Vaal. He was superbly turned out and strode to the gates with purpose; and Hollywood Racing’s Anthony Delpech was making a rare visit to the country course with his daughter, Brooklyn – a reliable pointer to what was expected of the newcomer.

Dog In The Fog returned in the same manner in which he went down, putting 3.60 lengths between himself and the runner-up in 56,1s – a fast time by any measure and the quickest on the day.

He was named by Perth-based Joe Venter, a friend of the Heffer family who also joins them on their annual Breeders’ Cup trips. Devin Heffer explained: “The name refers to someone who leaves a party without saying goodbye.”

Callan Murray and Mat de Kock were suitably impressed. Callan reckons sprinting will be Dog In The Fog’s game, while Mat praised De Kock Racing’s Summerveld team for preparing him. “He’s still green off the bit and will improve a lot – a nice, exciting future.”

Dog In The Fog is a Maine Chance graduate by Vercingetorix and the first foal of the smart galloper Trickster, who finished second to Princess Calla in the 2020 Grade 2 Western Cape Fillies Championship.