$250,000 Cal Cup Classic
TIZBUD

Benoit Photo

ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2003) -- Tizbud followed in the hoofprints of his famous siblings Saturday, impressively winning the $250,000 California Cup Classic at Oak Tree at Santa Anita by three lengths.

Tizbud is a full brother to two-time Breeders' Cup Classic winner Tiznow, 1998 Cal Cup Classic winner Budroyale and graded stakes winning 2-year-old filly Tizdubai. He was one of three entrants in the Classic by Cee's Tizzy, out of the Seattle Song mare Cee's Song, and was bred by Cecilia Straub-Rubens.

The lightly raced 4-year-old was winning for only the second time in six starts. He was third in the Grade II San Fernando Breeders Cup Stakes Jan 11, then went to the sidelines until a fourth-place finish in an Oct. 2 optional claimer. The first-place purse of $150,000 boosted his earnings to $219,266.

Tizbud is owned by Cee's Stable, trained by John Sadler and was ridden by Victor Espinoza, who earlier won the Donald Valpredo Sprint aboard Team Green and the XTRA 690/1150 Starter Handicap on Fade to Blue.

The defection and likely retirement of morning-line favorite Sky Jack appeared to set up perfectly for favorite Hot Market, making his first start in 10 months. But Red Warrior went after Hot Market, and the legitimate pace duel played into the style of the closers.

Kedington, another longshot who was claimed for $16,000 in April, rallied for second and a $50,000 paycheck. Commander's Flag was third.

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