Lone Rock-Tizamagician rivalry probably not over

DEL MAR, Calif. – Lone Rock and Tizamagician were separated by 1 1/2 lengths when they finished first and second in Saturday’s Grade 2 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes at 1 5/8 miles at Del Mar.

They might meet again at Belmont Park in June.

Robertino Diodoro trains Lone Rock, and Richard Mandella trains Tizamagician. Each said his runner has reached the end of his 2021 season.

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Mandella said the Grade 2 Brooklyn Stakes at 1 1/2 miles at Belmont Park in June is a long-range goal for Tizamagician. Lone Rock and Tizamagician met for the first time in the Brooklyn Stakes earlier this year with Lone Rock winning by 11 1/4 lengths.

“We’re getting closer,” Mandella said of the margin between the horses in the TAA Stakes.

On Sunday, Lone Rock was being vanned to Turf Paradise in Phoenix where Diodoro has a stable.

“He’ll enjoy a little sunshine and gradually make his way to Oaklawn,” Diodoro said.

Lone Rock raced at Oaklawn Park last winter and spring. A 6-year-old gelding, Lone Rock won 6 of 8 starts and earned $722,884 in 2021, all for Flying P Stable and R.A. Hill Stable.

Lone Rock was claimed for $40,000 at Churchill Downs last November, one race after he was claimed for that amount at Keeneland from Diodoro and Flying P Stable.

Lone Rock’s wins this year have included four stakes at distances ranging from 1 1/2 miles to 1 3/4 miles.

In the $250,000 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes, Lone Rock stalked pacesetter Tizamagician to early stretch.

“He came out of the race very well,” Diodoro said of Lone Rock. “He’s a marathon horse. It’s worked out perfectly for him.”