It's back to work for Tiznow's Smile

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Though he eventually plans to stretch out Tiznow’s Smile in distance again, trainer Charlton Baker saw Thursday’s seven-furlong, first-level allowance/optional $75,000 claimer as an ideal spot for her first race in four months.

Tiznow’s Smile is one of eight New York-bred 3-year-old fillies entered in the featured seventh race on Aqueduct’s eight-race card.

Tiznow’s Smile finished second twice at seven furlongs in maiden races last fall, once at Belmont Park and once at Aqueduct. She finally got her first win going a two-turn mile over Aqueduct’s inner track on Dec. 11. She then finished second to Bonita Bianca in the East View Stakes on Dec. 30 before getting six weeks off at the farm.

“She got bigger, filled out a lot better, all good signs you want to see,” Baker said. “She’s training good. I think she’s 75, 80 percent, but I think she’s good enough to overcome it.”

Manny Franco rides Tiznow’s Smile from post 4.

Trainer Rudy Rodriguez sends out the three-time winner Tainted Angel. She won at this condition going six furlongs over the inner track in January, and on Thursday, she is being offered for the $75,000 claiming tag.

On the Fringe, a winner for $32,000 claiming on April 13, comes back for the $75,000 tag for new trainer Gary Contessa.

KEY CONTENDERS

Tiznow’s Smile, by Tiznow

Last 3 Beyers: 63-71-65

◗ She had a win and three seconds in the last four starts of her 2-year-old campaign.

◗ Rain was in the forecast for Thursday, and she finished second in two starts over a wet track.

◗ She has five works for her return, including a five-furlong move in 1:00.60 last Friday that was the second-fastest of 22 at the distance.

DRF FORMULATOR fact: Over the last three years, Baker is 11 for 47 with a $1.93 ROI in dirt sprints with horses returning from layoffs of 60 to 180 days.

Tainted Angel, by Yes It’s True

Last 3 Beyers: 62-61-61

◗ She is 2 for 3 with a second in three starts over a wet track.

Overnegotiate, by Overdriven

Last 3 Beyers: 67-67-49

◗ Took a hard bump at the break of a March 26 allowance race in which she made the lead in midstretch but gave way late to finish 1 3/4 lengths back in second.

◗ Owns a win and a second from two starts over the main track.

Zealous Scholar, by Here’s Zealous

Last 3 Beyers: 55-65-55

◗ Got used up in a speed duel when fourth at this condition March 26.

◗ Gets a rider switch to John Velazquez.