Cal-bred News

Tizbud Goes the Distance in Classic

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 11, 2004) -- It is uncommon for a horse to make his first start in a year in a nine-furlong race, but Tizbud is the exception, which is why he will make his return Saturday in the $250,000 California Cup Classic at 1 1/8 miles as the Oak Tree Racing Association presents California Cup XV at Santa Anita Park.

The 5-year-old son of Cee's Tizzy won the $250,000 California Cup Classic in 2003 by three lengths but has been out of action with shin problems since that victory last Nov. 8.

"We gave him a lot of long workouts," trainer John Sadler said. "He's worked seven-eighths twice, he's worked a mile and galloped out a mile and an eighth. Plus with this horse, the thing that helps him is he has a lot of natural stamina. He can run a long distance. He's probably best at a mile and a quarter but a mile and an eighth is well within his range."

Probable for the Classic: Anziyan Royalty, David Flores, 116; Calkins Road, Rene Douglas, 117; Commander's Flag, Victor Espinoza, 115; Cozy Guy, no rider, 112; Excess Summer, Gary Stevens, 120; Kedington, Omar Figueroa, 114; Lava Man, no rider, 112; Tizbud, Tyler Baze, 117; and Yougottawanna, Russell Baze, 120.

In other Cal Cup developments:

Lucky J.H. could well be unbeaten as the 2-year-old son of Cee's Tizzy goes into Saturday's $125,000 Budweiser Juvenile. "We sort of expected more from his first start," said trainer Carla Gaines, referring to his seventh-place finish at Del Mar on Aug. 22. "That was kind of disappointing but he had an outside post and stumbled out of the gate. He never got into the race at 5 1/2 (furlongs), so when we ran him 6 1/2 we were thinking the distance would suit him much better and it did. It wasn't that strong a race except for the horse that was second (Tizmanian Devil). He came back to win so that was very encouraging."

Ride And Shine worked five furlongs in :59 for Gary Stute as the 7-year-old gelding prepared for the $150,000 Dodge Donald Valpredo Sprint. It will mark the 63rd career start for the son of High Brite, who has a 7-11-10 record with earnings of $459,136.

ESPN2's "Wire-to-Wire" show on Tuesday at 11 a.m. will feature a preview of California Cup XV.

The post position draw breakfast for Cal Cup XV will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Clockers' Corner for Saturday's California Cup XV.

Also on Saturday, there will be an Oak Tree Cal Cup blanket giveaway with all paid admissions at Santa Anita while supplies last in addition to the K-Earth 101 Bugstock II event dedicated to Beatles (both cars and music).

The California Cup is comprised of 10 races exclusively for Cal-breds worth $1,325,000 in purses. There will be a $1 million guaranteed Pick 6 and a $500,000 guaranteed Pick 4. First post time is 12:30 p.m. Gates open at 10:30 a.m.

-- Ed Golden