Tiz The Law’s lofty reputation reached new heights on Saturday when he was a runaway winner of the Grade 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, which was held behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Moved into contention on the bend before the home straight, the Barclay Tagg-trained Tiz The Law overtook Ete Indian for the lead and once hitting the front, he soon quickened away from his rivals to take the spoils.
The victory cements his status as the prime candidate to take the Kentucky Derby, which has been rescheduled from May to September 5 owing to the current health crisis in America.
In total, there have been six horses since the turn of the century who have used the Florida Derby as a springboard to success in the Kentucky Derby. Maximum Security could have made it seven last year, but he was disqualified from the race at Churchill Downs.
Jack Knowlton, who runs the Sackatoga Stable partnership that owns Tiz The Law, told the BloodHorse: “He is something special, no doubt. We’re going to enjoy this one, and if he stays healthy and things work out well, this is going to be a fun year for us.”
Tiz The Law, who was ridden by Manny Franco, is flying the flag for WinStar Farm’s young sire Constitution, whose oldest crop are three-year-olds of 2020, and by taking Saturday’s Florida Derby, he emulated his sire who took this race in 2014.
Mozu Superflare awarded Takamatsunomiya Kinen
Japan’s first top-level race to be held behind closed doors since the coronavirus outbreak was full of drama as Mozu Superflare was awarded the contest in the stewards’ room.
Four horses crossed the line separated by a neck with Kurino Gaudi passing the post in front ahead of Mozu Superflare, Gran Alegria and Diatonic.
However, Kurino Gaudi was adjudged to have interfered with Mozu Superflare in the home straight and was subsequently disqualified, handing the win to the five-year-old daughter of Speightstown.
