Tizamagician targets San Diego Handicap at Del Mar

Tizamagician, the winner of two Grade 3 races at 1 1/2 miles on dirt last year, will have his 2022 debut in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar on July 30.

Trainer Richard Mandella said on Friday that the $300,000 San Diego Handicap at 1 1/16 miles is shorter than Tizamagician’s preferred distance, but that the Grade 3 Cougar II Handicap at 1 1/2 miles at Del Mar on July 24 would be a difficult assignment for the 5-year-old’s first start since November.

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Tizamagician worked six furlongs in 1:13.20 at Santa Anita on Friday, continuing a steady pattern of works since late April.

Last summer, Tizamagician won the Cougar II Handicap and was second in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic at 1 1/4 miles at Del Mar. He ended the year with a second in the Grade 2 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes at 1 1/2 miles on Breeders’ Cup weekend at Del Mar in November.

The San Diego Handicap is a key local prep for the $1 million Pacific Classic, which will be run on Sept. 3.