Tizdejavu Steals Opening Verse
Michael Cooper and Pamela Ziebarth’s Tizdejavu led every step of the way under Jesus Castanon to win the $62,235 Opening Verse by a half-length before a Downs After Dark crowd of 25,102 Friday night at Churchill Downs.
Trained by Greg Fox, Tizdejavu covered the 1 1/16 miles on a firm Matt Winn Turf Course in 1:42.35 in winning for the fourth time in five starts on the grass at Churchill Downs.
Tizdejavu, a 5-year-old Kentucky-bred son of Tiznow, established a clear lead early with Public Speaker in closest pursuit through fractions of :24.67, :47.83 and 1:11.33. At the top of the stretch, Tizdejavu maintained a daylight advantage and had enough left to hold off final surge from Public Speaker and jockey Robby Albarado.
Winner of the American Turf (GIII) and the Jefferson Cup (GII) as a 3-year-old here in 2008, Tizdejavu improved his overall record to 15-7-3-2 and increased his bankroll to $577,137 with Friday’s check of $37,800.
Favored in the field of six, Tizdejavu returned $6.60, $3.60 and $3. Public Speaker returned $4.40 and $2.80 with Flying Private finishing 7 ¼ lengths back in third under Corey Lanerie and paying $3.80 to show. Completing the field in order were Yate’s Black Cat, Prom Shoes and Furthest Land.
Racing resumes Saturday on Kentucky Derby Alumni Day with an 11-race program beginning at 12:45 p.m. (all times EDT) that includes a five-day Pick 6 carryover of $57,564 on races six through 11.
Reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra will face four rivals in the 36th running of the $200,000-added Fleur de Lis Handicap (GII) with an approximate post time of 3:26 p.m. as the day’s sixth race. Highlighting the card will be the 29th running of the $600,000-added Stephen Foster Handicap (GI) scheduled for 5:29 p.m. that drew a field of 11.