Tiz Miz Sue Captures Azeri Stakes Again

One race before the Rebel Stakes, Cres Ran LLC’s Tiz Miz Sue pulled a mild upset herself when she defeated Don’t Tell Sophia and champion My Miss Aurelia to win her second straight $150,000 Azeri Stakes (G3).

Songs and Sonnets, the quickest out of the gate, was allowed to set leisurely fractions of 25 and 49 for the first half mile. Normally a hindrance to her closing kick, the soft fractions actually helped keep Tiz Miz Sue closer to the pace and within striking distance throughout. At the top of the stretch, Pippin and Bayakoa Stakes winner Don’t Tell Sophia gained a narrow advantage, but was soon run down by the reigning champion, who edged clear to win by 1 ¼ lengths. Winning time was 1:45 1/5 for 1 1/16 miles. Champion My Miss Aurelia, the 4-5 favorite, finished third in her seasonal debut.

“The Apple Blossom ((G1) on April 12) is a definite target now,” said trainer Steve Hobby. “She ran against some Grade 1 fillies today. I was really worried when they went 25 early, but she wasn’t that far back today. Joe rode her really well today. He knows her.”

Tiz Miz Sue, a 6-year-old Tiznow mare, improved her record to 7-9-4 in 30 starts and has now earned $789,371. She returned $18.40, $5.20 and $2.80 at odds of 8-1.