CA-based stallion Cee’s Tizzy had a very, very good weekend at Santa Anita—to say the least! On Friday, his son Lucky J.H. won the 6.5f Sensational Star Handicap on the downhill turf course. On Saturday, his grandson (by son Tiznow) Colonel John stamped his ticket to the Kentucky Derby, winning the G1 Santa Anita Derby. And then today, daughter Tiz Elemental took the G3 Las Flores Handicap, followed immediately by her full-sister Tiz a Blend winning the Valentine Dancer Handicap. Cee’s Tizzy stands for $7,500 this year at Harris Farms; you can explore their website here.
All of the aforementioned except Colonel John are trained by Carla Gaines who, along with Helen Pitts, is one of my favorite “under-recognized” trainers. A few weeks back, I posted a poll asking which female trainer would be the first to win a Kentucky Derby—and the two of them were both well-received. If Ms. Gaines continues with the success of late, doubtless she will get that opportunity. Best known for her outstanding mare Nashoba's Key, Gaines is currently riding a six-race winning streak, and 11 of her past 15 horses have won at Santa Anita.
Speaking of girls, I watched anxiously as Eight Belles broke poorly but came back to defeat early front-runner Alina in the G2 Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn today. She is one helluva gritty filly, but I don’t think she should try the boys on the first Saturday in May. Reports are she will be shipped to Keeneland to join stablemate Proud Spell who is aimed for the Oaks. Bsharpsonata (my personal favorite) heads to Churchill Downs on Monday morning to begin her prep for the first Friday in May.
The third and final Derby and Oaks future wagers pools ended this evening. For the Oaks, I got 26-1 on Awesome Chic, and for the Derby I took $2 chances on Smooth Air (30-1), Tomcito (32-1) and Visionaire (19-1).
Finally, thought I would mention some notable workouts today from some favorites:
• Brass Hat (CD 5f, 1:00.60)
• Miss Macy Sue (OP 4f, 48.00)
• Miraculous Miss (FH 4f, 46.80)
Still awaiting the year’s first work for Southwestern Heat…anyone hear anything out there about him?
3 comments:
I also have Tomcito and Visionaire; I was a little disappointed that Tale of Ekati ended up under 20-1, but I'll take it...
I absolutely LOVE Helen Pitts, and if someone would just let her keep a darn horse one of these days(!) instead of moving it to a "Big Name" once it shows talent she is going to break out, I know it.
As someone who nabbed Eight Belles in the first Oaks Futures wager at 22-1, I'm really, really hoping she doesn't try the boys in the Derby.
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