Three Takeaways from the Holy Bull

Feb 05, 2020 by James Scully/TwinSpires.com

The $250,000 Holy Bull (G3) on Feb. 1 marked the first of three Kentucky Derby preps at Gulfstream Park. As part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, the 1 1/16-mile race awarded points on 10-4-2-1 scale to the top four finishers.

Point totals will increase for the Feb. 29 Fountain of Youth (G2) (50-20-10-5) and March 28 Florida Derby (G1) (100-40-20-10).

Here are three takeaways from the Holy Bull:

1 – Tiz the Law confirmed himself as a leading Kentucky Derby contender with the authoritative win. Favored at 11-1 among individual interests in Pool 1 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) last fall, the 3-year-old colt rebounded from his first loss, a third-place finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs in late November, and didn’t experience the cleanest trip in the Holy Bull before finishing powerfully to score by three lengths.

Trapped behind horses in the last start, Manny Franco was determined to avoid similar circumstances after Tiz the Law broke on top and raced close to the rail on the first turn, taking a strong hold and angling his mount outward for clear sailing along the backstretch. The bay colt raced within striking range before advancing to overhaul the pacesetter nearing the conclusion of the far turn, and he drew off sharply through the final sixteenth of mile.

2 – The winner posted a spectacular 108 Brisnet Speed rating, a big number seldom seen on the Kentucky Derby trail. It is a higher figure than the last six Derby winners earned at Churchill Downs, the best number in a qualifier since Justify received a 114 for winning the 2018 Santa Anita Derby (G1).

Tiz the Law also registered a commendable 105 Late Pace rating.

3 – Tiz the Law has the talent, pedigree and connections to keep advancing, but an inside trip remains a concern. With added maturity since last fall, he may be able to settle inside behind horses in future engagements, but connections probably don’t want to risk it this spring. They were more than willing to lose ground in the seven-horse Holy Bull, and that’s not ideal.

Tiz the Law still has plenty going for him. From the first crop of Constitution, Tiz the Law is bred to handle longer distances. Trainer Barclay Tagg won the 2003 Kentucky Derby with another New York-bred, Funny Cide, who finished off the board in the Holy Bull before improving significantly over the following months, and it promises to be a different experience with highly regarded Tiz the Law.

The exciting colt will likely go favored once again among individual interests in Pool 2 of KDFW this weekend (Feb. 6-9).