Tiz the Law rules Holy Bull

Feb 02, 2020 Kellie Reilly/Brisnet.com

Rebounding from a tough-trip loss in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2), Tiz the Law restored his luster as a top Kentucky Derby (G1) contender in Saturday’s $250,000 Holy Bull (G3). The 6-5 favorite took charge turning into the Gulfstream Park stretch and rendered a three-length verdict.

Fans might have had a moment of anxiety on the backstretch, however, as Tiz the Law found himself buried on the rail. That was the problem last time at Churchill Downs, where he had a difficult passage in the slop.

This time, jockey Manny Franco was able to get him out of the pocket early. Tapping on the brakes, he eased back, came around into the clear, and settled into a comfortable spot a couple of lengths off pacesetter Ete Indien.

When Ete Indien began to edge away from his nearest pursuers, Tiz the Law made his move to join him on the far turn, and the rest were left well behind. Ete Indien tried to hang tough, but Tiz the Law was too strong as he kicked clear.

By negotiating 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.04 on the fast track, Tiz the Law banked 10 more Derby points. His total now sits at 22, including his 10 from winning last fall’s Champagne (G1) and 2 points from his Kentucky Jockey Club third.

Ete Indien took home 4 points for his hard-trying second. There was an 11 1/2-length gap to third-placer Toledo, who earned 2 points. Relentless Dancer, who attended Ete Indien’s pace, retreated to fourth (good for 1 point).

Tiz the Law sports the Sackatoga Stable colors made famous by 2003 Derby and Preakness (G1) champion Funny Cide, who was likewise trained by Barclay Tagg. Funny Cide also kicked off his sophomore campaign in the Holy Bull, finishing fifth, but improved next time to place in the Louisiana Derby (G2). Plans call for Tiz the Law to follow the same itinerary to Fair Grounds on March 21.

In another similarity, Tiz the Law and Funny Cide are both New York-breds. Unlike the gelded Funny Cide, Tiz the Law is a colt with future stallion appeal. He’s now bankrolled $498,900 from his 4-3-0-1 line.

Bred by Twin Creeks Farm, Tiz the Law was sold for $110,000 as a Fasig-Tipton New York-bred yearling. The blaze-faced bay is by hot young sire Constitution and out of the Grade 2-winning Tiznow mare Tizfiz, a full sister to Grade 3 scorer Fury Kapcori. This is the immediate family of 1997 Horse of the Year Favorite Trick.