Hollywood Park notes: Tiz a Minister on the mend

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Tiz a Minister, who was briefly considered for the Kentucky Derby after finishing third in the Snow Chief Stakes on April 27, is recovering from a bruised foot detected last Monday, trainer Paul Aguirre said Friday.

Owned by Stephen Young, Tiz a Minister was withdrawn from consideration for the Kentucky Derby after the foot problem was detected. Aguirre said Friday that Tiz a Minister was still showing some effects of the soreness.

“It’s a good thing we didn’t go to Kentucky,” he said. “It was very bad for a few days after the race.”

Aguirre said that Tiz a Minister’s condition has improved in recent days and that he could resume training next week.

Races such as the $100,000 Affirmed Handicap over 1 1/16 miles on June 2 or the $100,000 Silky Sullivan Stakes for California-breds over a mile on turf at Golden Gate Fields on June 9 are possibilities for Tiz a Minister’s next start.

Leparoux draws ban

Jockey Julien Leparoux has been suspended three days for causing interference aboard Long Face in the Grade 3 Wilshire Handicap on April 28. Leparoux, who resumes riding in California on a full-time basis Sunday after spending recent weeks in Kentucky, has been suspended for three racing days, beginning Sunday, May 12.

Long Face finished second to Halo Dolly in the Wilshire over a mile on turf. In early stretch, Long Face bumped with Nobilis, who faded to finish sixth of seven. There was no change to the order of finish.