Hofmans seeks answers with Tiz True

Tiz True arrived on this circuit a little more than one year ago after winning his debut at Aqueduct, and was turned over to trainer David Hofmans. He had high hopes for Tiz True, but in three races last winter at Santa Anita, on both turf and Pro-Ride, Tiz True failed to finish in the money.

"I thought he had a chance to go on the Kentucky Derby trail, but it didn't work out," Hofmans said Friday morning.

Nearly 10 months after making his last start, Tiz True returns to action on Sunday in the fifth race, a first-level allowance going 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course. Hofmans candidly admits he doesn't know what to expect.

"We turned him out and let him grow up," Hofmans said. "He seems a little stronger. We gave him time to get his head out of here. He's really been working well. Hopefully he's back on the right track. But I'm confused, to be perfectly honest."

Among those lined up against Tiz True is Bandeira Union, who is making his first start since March, when he won a maiden race going one mile on turf at Santa Anita.

"He needed time off for aches and pains," said Richard Mandella, who trains Bandeira Union. "He's training well. He ran a nice race going two turns, but I'm hoping he will run fresh down the hill."