It Tiz scores in turf debut

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Last fall, trainer Mark Glatt wanted to try his 2-year-old filly It Tiz on the turf, even though there were limited options.

The opportunity arrived in Friday's fourth race at Hollywood Park, and it was worth the wait. Making her first start at 3, It Tiz ($15.40) won her turf debut in a one-mile optional claimer, racing near the front throughout and winning by a half-length over Lilly Fa Pootz in 1:34.88.

The win has led Glatt to look toward the $150,000 San Clemente Handicap over a mile on turf for 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar on July 25. He even is considering a quick turnaround for the $250,000 American Oaks at Hollywood Park on July 3, but he questions whether that race, which is over 1 1/4 miles on turf, might be too tough and too soon.

"We're definitely looking at the turf fillies stakes at Del Mar this summer," Glatt said. "I don't know what we'll do between now and then. The American Oaks is probably too hard for the second time after a layoff. It's not completely ruled out. More than likely, it's the San Clemente."

Glatt and owners Allen and Susan Branch had hoped to start It Tiz earlier this year after giving her a break last December.

"We chose to give her a bit of a break and it turned out to be longer than we planned because of a foot abscess," Glatt said. "We're in good shape now."