Defense of Goodwood Title First Up for Tiznow

The first of two titles Tiznow will be trying to defend in the next three weeks is Sunday’s $500,000 Goodwood Handicap at Santa Anita.

After prevailing by half a length over Captain Steve in a memorable duel in last year’s Goodwood, Tiznow returned to win another thriller 20 days later. The California-bred son of Cee’s Tizzy edged Giant’s Causeway by a neck in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs, sealing horse-of-the-year honors.

Point Given, now retired, is the probable horse of the year, but Tiznow can conclude his 4-year-old season--and possibly his career--on a high.

For a few months, it appeared Tiznow wouldn’t get the chance to run in the Goodwood, Breeders’ Cup Classic or anywhere else. Back problems that flared after his dominating win in the Santa Anita Handicap in early March threatened to end his career.

However, Budroyale’s younger brother rebounded and he made his comeback in last month’s Woodward Handicap at Belmont Park. Although he was beaten, finishing third behind Lido Palace and Albert The Great, Tiznow was only 11/2 lengths behind at the wire.

Seeing how long he had been away and the level of competition, it was a solid comeback and, according to trainer Jay Robbins, he has thrived since returning to his home at Santa Anita.

After cutting the pony who accompanied him to the track Monday morning with a solid kick, Tiznow worked a strong five furlongs in 59 3/5 under regular rider Chris McCarron.

With the Breeders’ Cup being held at Belmont Park later this month, Tiznow could have had his final prep for the Classic in Saturday’s $1-million Jockey Club Gold at Belmont. The field there will include Albert The Great, A P Valentine, Sumitas and Aptitude.

“If he went back to New York for the Jockey Club, he wouldn’t have flown back to California and that means he would have been there for three weeks,” said Robbins.

“He’s probably better off training out here leading up to it like he did last year. Things could also get a little dicey with the weather and that’s not something we have to worry about here.”