For the first eight months of what began as an unbeaten 3-year-old campaign, TIZ THE LAW came out of each start in remarkably good shape.
He started with a Win in the February 1st Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park. He then progressed with ensuing Grade 1 Victories in the Florida Derby, Belmont Stakes, and the Travers Stakes. He seemed to come out of those races fresh and fit.
But that all changed after the September 5th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, where TIZ THE LAW ran 2nd to AUTHENTIC. It was only his second loss in eight career starts — with both losing efforts occurring at the Louisville track.
He seemed to come out of the Derby loss a little worse for the wear. With that in mind the colts connections decided that TIZ THE LAW will pass up the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on October 3rd in order to train and concentrate on the $6 million dollar, Breeders Cup Classic November 7th at Keeneland.
Trainer Barclay Tagg had this to say: “You have to listen to your horse. We didn’t feel we would have him 100% ready for the Preakness, so we decided to train up to the Breeders’ Cup. We don’t have to go to the Preakness. We have a bigger prize at the end of the year at the Breeders’ Cup. We know he runs very well off long layoffs, so that’s the decision we made.” |
The timing between the Kentucky Derby and BC Classic is nine weeks and TIZ THE LAW has thrived off long breaks in the past. He captured the Florida Derby off eight weeks of rest, the Belmont Stakes off 12 weeks, and the Travers after a seven week layoff.
