Tizbud finally delivers
ARCADIA, Calif. - Considering he is a full brother to two-time Breeders' Cup Classic winner Tiznow, and to stakes winners Tizdubai and Budroyale, much had been expected of the now 4-year-old Tizbud. His career, though, had been one of gross underachievement, just one win in five starts, interrupted by a lengthy absence to repair a fractured shin.
But the latent talent Tizbud came through gloriously in the gloaming Saturday afternoon at Santa Anita's Oak Tree meeting, when he impressively conquered a group of older veterans in the day's biggest and richest race, the $250,000 California Cup Classic Handicap.
Tizbud got an ideal trip under Victor Espinoza. He sat third as Red Warrior and Hot Market dueled through fractions of 23.22 seconds, 46.06 seconds, and 1:10.01 for the first six furlongs. Tizbud went after the leaders with an authoritative move on the turn, grabbed the lead turning into the stretch, and drew off powerfully to win by three lengths. The late runners Kedington and Commander's Flag took the next two spots, with Kedington beating Commander's Flag by a head for second.
Hot Market, the 7-5 favorite, finished sixth, and Red Warrior was last, in the field of nine. Sky Jack, who likely would have been favored, was scratched Friday.
Tizbud ($22.40) completed 1 1/8 miles on the fast main track in 1:48.08. The 4-year-old colt, by Cee's Tizzy out of the Seattle Song mare Cee's Song, was bred and is owned by the Cees Stable LLC, which is managed by Mike Cooper.
John Sadler, who trains Tizbud, had the option of pointing Tizbud for a first-level allowance race. But Sadler believes Tizbud needs at least 1 1/8 miles to do his best, and since entry-level allowance races are rarely scheduled at that distance, the Cal Cup became the best option.
"It was more the distance than anything," Sadler said. "He needs a mile and an eighth, or a mile and a quarter. He gets out-footed going shorter. He's kind of a grinder, like Tiznow was."
Tizbud's lone win came against maidens in his third start last Nov. 14. After finishing third in the San Fernando Stakes, he suffered a saucer fracture to his left front leg. Surgery, in which screws were inserted, repaired the damage. He did not return until Oct. 2, when he finished fourth in a first-level allowance race going one mile.