Tiznowforamerica seeks improvement in sprint feature

It’s clear that the connections of Tiznowforamerica once thought highly of him. St. Elias Stable and West Point Thoroughbreds were partners on the $150,000 purchase of the son of Tiznow at the sale of 2-year-olds in training at Keeneland in April 2013.

Following each of his career wins, a maiden sprint at Saratoga and a first-level allowance score at Belmont Park, Tiznowforamerica was ambitiously spotted in graded stakes, where he finished last both times.

Far back in both starts since he was gelded, Tiznowforamerica looks to regain his confidence as the lukewarm 7-2 morning-line favorite for Thursday night’s $30,400 feature at Penn National.

The 4-year-old Tiznowforamerica will make his second start since he was transferred from Tom Albertrani to Graham Motion in a second-level optional $25,000 claimer at six furlongs.

In his lone start for Motion in mid-February at Laurel Park, Tiznowforamerica was competitive for a half-mile before fading badly to be beaten 14 1/4 lengths against similar competition as he faces Thursday.

His 11 rivals include Pacific Ridge, who pulled an 11-1 upset at this same level in late January, and Lightly Wound, who runs for twice the price of his last-out win at Charles Town.

KEY CONTENDERS

Tiznowforamerica (Last 3 Beyers: 60-77-70)

◗ Since he was gelded, Tiznowforamerica has finished sixth twice.

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Motion does not do well with dirt sprinters in allowance races the second time following a layoff, going 0 for 7 over the past five years, with five of the losers at 2-1 or less. That stat makes this horse a play-against at a short price.

Lightly Wound (Last 3 Beyers: 74-49-75)

◗ His two best recent Beyer Speed Figures, both recorded at Charles Town, are more than 10 points below the par of 86 for this class level.

Pacific Ridge (Last 3 Beyers: 74-73-70)

◗ He rallied from seventh to win at this level last time out, and the runner-up, Johnny Jump Up, came back to win with a 75 Beyer. But a Beyer in the mid-70s may not be good enough to beat this field.

Flying Zealous (Last 3 Beyers: 55-57-81)

◗ He has lost 11 straight since his last victory in April 2013, but the 8-year-old merits respect on the basis of his good efforts at this level in November and December.

No Free Lunch (Last 3 Beyers: 41-82-78)

◗ It is hard to explain his dud following two months on the sidelines, but the fact that he returns within 21 days without taking a class drop is an encouraging sign. He deserves a long look if he goes off anywhere close to his 12-1 morning-line odds.