Tizfiz Shines for DeLeon
Tizfiz was bred by Diamond A Racing in Kentucky, and was sired by Tiznow, out of the Go for Gin mare, Gin Running. Up until the 4th of October 2008, she was trained by Richard Mandella, but was claimed for $50 000 at Oak Tree for new owners, Brian Kahn and the O’Neill Trust, by trainer Ralph DeLeon. DeLeon, who has won many racing events, was looking for his first graded stakes win on the 4th of January 2009, and found it in the outstanding effort made by Tizfiz and her jockey, Agapito Delgadillo.
Delgadillo and Tizfiz teamed up on the 6th of December 2008, for the Queen O’Green Handicap, which took place at the Turf Paradise Racecourse in Phoenix, where they won comfortably. Even though he was excited to back her again in the San Gorgonio Handicap, he was unsure how she would hold up against the field of formidable competitors who were confirmed for the event. But the five year old mare was determined to show that her racing experience and courage could overcome even the greatest obstacles, shaking off her 9-1 odds with a spectacular victory.
The Grade II San Gorgonio Handicap got off to an exciting start as Delgadillo steered Tizfiz according to Ralph DeLeon’s instructions. He was told to get Tizfiz into the lead but to set a slow pace to save her for the final stretch. Delgadillo knew that at any time he could be expecting company to battle for the lead and when Solar Miss and Marzelline made their moves on either side of Tizfiz, Delgadillo knew that all they needed to do was hold on, and hold on they did, to win by a nose over Marzelline in second, Miss Solar in third and followed home by Valbenny, Belmont Cat, Meribel, Green Lyons and High Heel Sneakers.
DeLeon was overwhelmed by the victory, expressing his joy at winning his first graded stakes race and that of all the horses he has in training at present, Tizfiz in most definitely amongst the best. With her winning the San Gorgonio Handicap, Tizfiz has now won five of her twelve career starts and has pushed her career earnings up to $233 160. It is hoped that the partnership between DeLeon and Tizfiz, will bring many more victories and memorable moments.
