SANTA YNEZ S. (gr. II ), Santa Anita Park , January 21, 2013 , $150,000 Guaranteed , value of race $150,500 , 3 yo , 6 1/2 furlongs , 1:16.14 Dirt FT .

Few things are better in racing than beating the champ right after the coronation. Renee’s Titan, campaigned by Zillah Reddam, took on recently named 2012 champion 2-year-old filly Beholder in the Santa Ynez Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park Jan. 21 and gave the Eclipse Award winner, a 1-5 favorite, a three-quarter-length drubbing.

Prior to racing for Reddam, wife of financier J. Paul Reddam, who won a 2012 Eclipse Award with dual classic winner I’ll Have Another, Renee’s Titan raced for California public relations executive John Liviakis, who bred the filly with his wife, Renee. Renee’s Titan raced once for Liviakis before becoming a part of the Reddam stable, winning at Betfair Hollywood Park last June by 41/2 lengths for a $50,000 claiming tag.

“She was in for a tag but she wasn’t claimed,” Liviakis said. “I sold her privately well above the claiming price after the race. There was plenty of interest in her because she was impressive winning that day.

“I really didn’t want to sell her at all although she was in for a claiming high price. I put her in the race not because I wanted to sell her but because I thought she could win easily. I was hoping to get away with her not being claimed.

“She looked good winning,” Liviakis added. “She was so fluid, efficient moving, and classy. She has a low Dosage Index, and I thought people would think she’s just a sprinter. She’s bred to go long. Mr. Reddam and his team contacted me to buy her at a price. She’s really come along now. She’s quite a nice filly.”

Following the purchase, Renee’s Titan showed additional promise by running fourth in the Sorrento Stakes (gr. III) at Del Mar in her next start.

Liviakis, who later privately sold Renee’s Titan’s dam, Titan Queen (by Tiznow), is the breeder of additional graded stakes winners Handsome Mike, homebred Mighty Caroline, and Reneesgotzip, who won the 2012 Santa Ynez. Mighty Caroline is named for Liviakis’ daughter and mother.

Titan Queen, a full sister to Canadian grade II winner Big Band Sound, is in foal to Regal Ransom.

Deceased Bernstein, sire of Renee’s Titan, has sired 78 stakes winners including 10 runners that were added-money winners in 2012. Bernstein stood at Castleton Lyons near Lexington prior to his death October 2011.—D.S.