Kentucky Derby: Tiztastic, Final Gambit Upset Big Events

It was a longshot day at many major tracks on March 22, in particular at Fair Grounds and Turfway Park in New Orleans and Florence, KY, respectively. Each track had big cards with many stakes races, including rich races offering Kentucky Derby (G1) points.

In New Orleans it was two-time grass winner TIZTASTIC, by young sire Tiz the Law (Constitution), who rallied from some 10 lengths off the pace to win the $1 million Louisiana Derby (G2) at 1 3/16 miles for Winchell Thoroughbreds and the ownership group of Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor. Steve Asmussen trains and Joel Rosario rode.

In Kentucky on Turfway’s Tapeta, FINAL GAMBIT was a 15-to-1 upsetter of the $777,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at 1 1/8 miles. Juddmonte Farms own and bred the grey son of Not This Time and Brad Cox trains.

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Louisiana Derby

Out of the gates, the D. Wayne Lukas colt Caldera went to his knees as unbeaten John Hancock went straight to the lead through a fast 22.99 and 46.84. Tiztastic and another well-bet contender, Instant Replay, were second last and last heading into the backstretch. On the final turn, John Hancock was being swarmed as Built grabbed a short lead and Chunk of Gold was making a move. Tiztastic had motored up the rail and angled out three into the stretch to power to the lead. He stayed on to win by 2 1/4 lengths over Chunk of Gold with Instant Replay, trained by Brad Cox, closing fastest of all.

Tiztastic covered the 1 3/16 miles in 1:56.20 for a career best 95 Beyer Speed Figure. The trainer and jockey combo teamed up to win the 2022 Louisiana Derby with Epicenter.

“We thought he’d run bigger in the Southwest. Since he didn’t run his race and he had trained so well here, we brought him back here, knowing he needed more distance. He’s stepping forward when he needs to. The horse has got a great mind about him. He ran a solid race but I think there’s more in him.”

Tiztastic was fifth in his debut on dirt at Saratoga and then won two races on the Kentucky Downs turf including the $998,000 Juvenile Mile. He was second to Sovereignty (Fountain of Youth winner) in the Street Sense Stakes (G3) and third in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2).

This year, the $335,000 yearling purchase was third in the Southwest Stakes (G3) and a flat fifth in the Rebel Stakes (G2), the last two races at Oaklawn Park.

Rosario was the sixth rider for Tiztastic. The colt is from the first crop of Tiz the Law and his dam Keesha, by Tapit, did not race but has four winners from four foals to race. Tiztastic’s fifth dam is Canadian-bred HALO REPLY, who was a two-time stakes winner at Woodbine for owner Bill Hodgson. Halo Reply produced Canadian-bred Prayer Wheel, who in turn produced the two-year-old Grade 1-winning filly in the U.S., Strategic Maneuver.

At Turfway Park

Similar to the Louisiana Derby, there was some rough stuff at the start of the race (that also went unnoticed by the track announcer) as four horses were crowding and bumping at the start. Up front, a fast pace developed with Charlie’s to Blame going 22.97 and 47.41. Favoured Poster for Godolphin and trainer Eoin Harty had a good trip covered up and a few lengths off the pace.

On the last turn, both California Burrito and Giacoso made wide early moves while Final Gambit, under Luan Machado, angled off the rail and moved four wide from nine lengths back. While California Burrito darted to a clear lead into the stretch, Final Gambit was flying out in the seven path with Flying Mohawk also moving. Final Gambit blew on by to win by 3 1/2 lengths in 1:50, posting a 15-to-1 upset win.

Final Gambit’s four previous career races included a second and a win in maiden races at Turfway with 66 and 64 Beyer Figures, respectively.

The grey colt’s dam, Pachinko, a grey daughter of Tapit, was a one-time winner in nine races for Juddmonte, owned by the late Prince Khalid bin Abdullah. Pachinko was bred by Juddmonte, as was second dam Hachita and third dam Choice Spirit. Fourth dam Zaizafon produced champion Zafonic, who races for Juddmonte.