Tiznow Breaks Course Record in Super Derby Win

Tiznow led at every call en route to winning the $500,000 Super Derby (gr. I) by six lengths, breaking the existing course- and stakes-record time in the process. The full brother of Budroyale, who beat last year's Super Derby winner Ecton Park when finishing second in the Pacific Classic (gr. I) last time out, completed the 1 1/4 miles in 1:59.84 over a fast track Saturday at Louisiana Downs. Jockey Chris McCarron, who previously rode Alysheba and Deputy Commander to Super Derby wins, was in the irons.

The previous Louisiana Downs course record for 1 1/4 miles was 2:00 1/5, established by Gate Dancer in winning the 1984 Super Derby. Mecke equaled the 2:00 1/5 record with his Super Derby win in 1995.

Tiznow broke a bit awkwardly but recovered to lead as they crossed under the wire for the first time under slight pressure from longshot White Star. As they rounded the first turn, Commendable moved up to challenge Tiznow, and those two raced heads apart down the backstretch. Mass Market began to rally from the rear of the field as the leaders began the second turn. Tiznow pulled away from Commendable on the turn and continued on well through the stretch under a hand ride.

"He's (Tiznow) got such a long stride," said McCarron. "He's extremely deceiving as far as how fast he's getting across the ground. It's a good way to be deceiving, though."

Commendable held second, one length ahead of Mass Market. Clever Brick was another nine lengths back in fourth, followed by Chris's Bad Boy and White Star.

In just his seventh career start, Tiznow earned a grade I win, something his four-time grade II winning brother has failed to accomplish. Tiznow earned $300,000 for owners Michael Cooper and Cecilia Straub Rubens for the win, his third career victory. Prior to the Super Derby, Tiznow finished second in both the Pacific Classic and Swaps Stakes (gr. I), won by Skimming and Captain Steve, respectively. He also won the Affirmed Handicap (gr. III) by a neck over Dixie Union just after romping by 8 1/2 lengths in a Hollywood Park maiden race. Tiznow (Cee's Tizzy--Cee's Song, by Seattle Song) was bred in California by Cecelia Straub-Rubens and is trained by Jay Robbins.

Tiznow is not Breeders' Cup eligible, and his connections would need to ante up $480,000 to enter the Classic. "We will watch the race on the 15th of October (Goodwood Breeders' Cup Handicap, gr. II, at Santa Anita) with great interest and decide where we fit," said Cooper. "We're very much in love with our horse and the game and we wouldn't do anything to hurt him. We'll have to see how he comes out and how they race and whether we feel he's up to the task of traveling again so soon against those mean horses."

The 4-5 favorite, Tiznow paid $3.60, $2.20, and $2.10. Commendable returned $2.80 and $2.10. Mass Market was worth $2.10 to show. The winning exacta paid $8.60. (Chart, Equibase)