Tough Tiz's Sis retired following injury

Only two weeks after a dazzling victory at Belmont Park in the Grade 1 Ruffian Handicap, Tough Tiz's Sis is out of the Breeders' Cup with a career-ending injury following a five-furlong workout Saturday at Belmont.

According to trainer Bob Baffert, Tough Tiz's Sis took an awkward step at the end of the workout. Baffert said an exam revealed the "beginning of a condylar fracture" in her right front. "It makes you sick to your stomach; she was peaking at the right time."

Tough Tiz's Sis delivered the best performance of her career in the Sept. 6 Ruffian, which she won by 12 1/4 lengths over a sloppy track while earning a 113 Beyer Speed Figure. The 4-year-old Tough Tiz's Sis was scheduled to return to California on Monday; her workout Saturday - five furlongs in 1:01.80 breezing - was merely a maintenance drill.

Baffert said Tough Tiz's Sis was scheduled for surgery Sunday and a screw would be inserted in the fracture. Although the injury does not necessarily end a horse's career, Baffert said Tough Tiz's Sis "has done enough" and would be retired.

Karl Watson and Paul Weitman own Tough Tiz's Sis, who was purchased privately from breeder Gary Tussey after a maiden win at Hawthorne in her third start. Bloodstock agent Bret Lindenbaum arranged the sale.

Tough Tiz's Sis joined the Baffert stable in early 2007. She made 17 starts for her present connections, winning 7 races including two Grade 1's - the Ruffian and Lady's Secret during the 2007 Oak Tree meet at Santa Anita.

Tough Tiz's Sis was supplemented to the 2007 BC Distaff for $180,000 (she finished seventh) and was aiming this fall for the BC Ladies Classic.

"We lost a big bullet out of our holster for the Breeders' Cup," Baffert said.

Tough Tiz's Sis retires with 8 wins from 20 starts, and earnings of $903,792.