Tizbud, the surprise 10-1 winner of last year's California Cup Classic, is ready to defend his title Oct. 16 at Santa Anita after an absence of almost a year.
"He'll go for the Classic again," trainer John Sadler said of the full brother to two-time Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) winner Tiznow and multiple grade II winner Budroyale. The $250,000 Cal Cup classic is the marquee event of California Cup XV, a 10-race program for state breds worth more than $1.3 million.
"He's training very well," Sadler said. "He re-injured his shins getting ready for the Native Diver at Hollywood (last fall) so he's been off since November of last year, but we're looking forward to his coming back."
Tizbud, a 5-year-old son of Cee's Tizzy-Cee's Song owned by the Cees Stable, LLC and bred by the late Cecilia Straub Rubens, has 2-0-2 record from six starts with earnings of $219,266.
Victor Espinoza, who has ridden Tizbud in each of his six starts, has been given the call for the Classic.
Oak Tree will guarantee a $1 million Pick 6 and a $500,000 Pick 4 on Cal Cup Day. First post time on the gala program is 12:30 p.m.
Last year's Cal Cup averaged 9.2 horses per race and an average win payoff of $15.20.
