Motown Men shows new dimension in Tiznow
ARCADIA, Calif. - In his 29th career start, Motown Men was forced into something new in Saturday’s $151,250 Tiznow Stakes for California-breds at Santa Anita. The 6-year-old Motown Men closed from well off the pace to win his first stakes.
Sixth early, Motown Men closed along the rail on the turn and overcame traffic in the stretch to win the one-mile Tiznow by three-quarters of a length over 16-1 Spirit Rules. Sent off favored, Motown Men ($3.80) was timed in 1:35.77.
Motown Men was ridden by Tyler Baze, his third six-figure stakes win of the program. Earlier in the day, Baze won the $196,000 Melair Stakes on Sheer Pleasure ($3.60) and the $150,250 Spring Fever Stakes on Sunday Rules ($2.60).
“There were three very good chances today,” Baze said. “I rode with a lot of confidence.”
Baze needed that confidence in the stretch on Motown Men. Turning into the stretch, Motown Men was 2 1/2 lengths behind leader Spirit Rules. Motown Men reduced the margin in early stretch, but was forced to alter course when Spirit Rules moved closer to the rail into Motown Men’s path. Motown Men went outside of Spirit Rules and took the lead in the final sixteenth.
“I had the rail and didn’t know if he would get going again,” Baze said. “I found out he can take the dirt in his face. Right now, he’s an amazing horse and he wants to win. “
Spirit Rules finished two lengths in front of 23-1 Solid Wager, who was followed by Toledo Eddie, Rousing Sermon, Poshsky, Short Heat Wave, Magic Mark, Soi Phet, and Joy Boy.
Motown Men races for Gulliver Racing and trainer Ted H. West.
West said he was concerned Motown Men was so far back after the first half-mile compared with most of his starts in which he led or raced just behind the leaders.
“I didn’t think he’s ever come from off the pace on the dirt,” West said. “I didn’t know how he would respond.”
When Motown Men altered course, West thought for sure his runner would win – at the wire or in the stewards’ room.
“I was confident if we were second they would take that horse down,” he said. “I was happy that he responded to some adversity like that.”
By Decarchy, Motown Men was claimed for $40,000 on March 8. In three subsequent starts, Motown Men has won an optional claimer, in which he was eligible to be claimed for $62,500 on April 10; finished third in the Grade 3 Precisionist Stakes on May 2; and won the Tiznow Stakes.
Motown Men has earned $148,800 since being claimed.