Tiz West up to the challenge

ARCADIA, Calif. - Tiz West made the successful transition from maiden race winner to stakes winner in Saturday's $109,900 La Puente Stakes at Santa Anita, remaining unbeaten on turf after two starts.

Making his fifth career start, and first against winners, Tiz West ($9.60) ran a mile on turf in 1:34.38, holding off a late run from Afleet Ruler to win the race for 3-year-olds by three-quarters of a length. Ez Dreamer finished third in the field of eight.

Ridden by Victor Espinoza, Tiz West was always near the front, stalking pacesetter Pistol Pete Afleet before taking the lead with a furlong remaining.

Tiz West races for breeder Gerald Ford and is trained by Richard Mandella. A Gone West colt, Tiz West has won 2 of 5 starts and $119,220.