Tiz Now Tiz Then heads Oklahoma Derby

Tiz Now Tiz Then was due to arrive at Remington Park on Friday to headline the $350,000 Oklahoma Derby. He could face as many as 11 rivals in Sunday's 1 1/8-mile race, which will be part of an all-stakes pick four with the $125,000 Remington Green at 1 1/16 miles on turf, the $125,000 MEC Mile for 2-year-olds, and the $75,000 Sprint Championship.

Tiz Now Tiz Then, who won the $275,000 Iowa Derby in June, is vanning in from Keeneland. His trainer, Eoin Harty, said Miguel Mena has the mount. He said the purse of the Oklahoma Derby, which last month was boosted by $50,000, was one of the appeals of the race. Tiz Now Tiz Then will be the first Remington Park starter for Harty, a former assistant to trainer Bob Baffert.

"I did run a horse there once for Bob," he said. It was Semoran, who won the $300,000 Remington Park Derby in 1996.

Tiz Now Tiz Then's biggest win is the Iowa Derby, where he closed from next to last for a 2o1/4-length win in June.

"I'd like to see him run a similar race back this time," said Harty.

Golden Yank, the winner of last year's MEC Mile who was fourth in the Grade 2 Super Derby, is being pointed for the Oklahoma Derby, his trainer, Gary Thomas, said Wednesday. He said Jamie Theriot would ride.

Others officials consider probable are Crimson Comic, who was second in a $75,000 optional claiming race at Belmont Park on Sept. 20; Atlantic Paws, third to Smooth Air last out in the $100,000 Needles at Calder; and Acting Zippy, Euro Silver Jet, Face the Cat, Fire Brewed, King Darius, Quiet Again, Sebastian County, and Snug.