Fog of War to Stud in New York at Hidden Lake Farm

Fog of War , a grade 1-winning juvenile, will stand the 2021 season for a $7,000 fee at Questroyal/Hidden Lake Farm near Stillwater, N.Y., Hidden Lake's Chris Bernhard announced Nov. 17.

A $400,000 purchase by Peter Brant's White Birch Farm from the 2017 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Fog of War was at his best as a 2-year-old. He won his debut in a maiden special weight at Saratoga Race Course, racing 5 1/2 furlongs on turf in 1:03.92. A month later he traveled to Woodbine, where he defeated eventual Preakness Stakes (G1) winner War of Will  in the Summer Stakes (G1T) with a mile in 1:33.90. 

Shelved until age 3, he placed in one of three starts. This year at 4, he was sixth in his seasonal debut before finishing fourth in the Belmont Turf Sprint Invitational Stakes (G3T) in the final start of his career.

"Fog of War's win first time out at Saratoga and his (grade) 1 victory in the 'Win and You're In' Summer Stakes at Woodbine beating War of Will showed us that he was our best colt of that crop and marked him as one of the clear favorites for the 2018 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T)," Brant added. "Unfortunately, 'Fog' bucked his shins and would not make the race but his undefeated 2-year-old campaign managed to show everyone his brilliant turn of foot and class. Fog of War has all the makings of a potentially high-class stallion with his conformation, pedigree, and speed. I am so thrilled 'Fog' will have the opportunity to be an exciting freshman stallion in New York and also allow White Birch Farm to be a new player in the New York state breeding and racing program." 

His sire, War Front , consistently ranks among North America's leaders. He is the sire of 95 stakes winners, and three of his progeny have been honored as champions. War Front stands at Claiborne Farm for $150,000.

Fog of War's dam, the Galileo mare Say, was a group 3 winner in Ireland. She has produced two full brothers to Fog of War, including Invader, winner of this year's John Battaglia Memorial Stakes at Turfway Park by 6 1/4 lengths.

Fog of War stands as the property of White Birch Farm Inc. and Three C Stables. A limited number of lifetime breeding rights are available.

"I'm excited to partner with Peter Brant to bring Fog of War to stud in New York," said Three C Stables' Chris Larsen. "This will give breeders access to the world's most successful sire lines Peter and I love as well as taking advantage of the lucrative NYS breeder awards and restricted racing programs. We think Fog of War is destined to be New York state's great sire."