Tin Lizzie sure does like to close… and I mean from way way back!  Sent off at odds of nearly 12/1, the 3yo gelding proved that his last out effort in the ARL Million (GI) was just a miss-timed effort, as he came flying late in this one to win by a quarter length in a final time of 1:33.22 in the City of Hope Mile (GII).  Panther Cat was second, with Wincrea completing the $340.50 trifecta.

Away from the gate, from the outside, Wincrea and Panther Cat broke alertly.  Honorable Eight, Beyondourgrasp and Hollywood Freak from the inside, Pip Cozzene, and Tin Lizzie under a hold.

Moving around the clubhouse turn and now five and a half furlongs to run Wincrea in front by a length and a half.  Panther Cat letting that one go, Honorable Eight between horses, Hollywood Freak from the rail.  Another length to Pip Cozzene Beyondourgrasp from the hedge and Tin Lizzie at the back, seven lengths from the front end.

The field made their way down the back stretch and move past the three-eighth’s pole, Wincrea still leading the way, Panther Cat up to apply the pressure again, two lengths back to Honorable Eight Hollywood Freak from the rail, another length to Pip Cozzene, Beyondourgrasp still skimming the rail and Tin Lizzie content at the back, still seven lengths behind the leader.

To the top of the lane, just three-sixteenth’s of a mile to run and it was looking interesting.  Wincrea still showing the way but the lead was down to a half length as Panther Cat moved up on his outside.  Honorable Eight two lengths back but now trying to extend, Hollywood Freak still saving ground, Pip Cozzene given the bit, Beyondourgrasp, and now tin Lizzie set down for the drive.

Deep stretch and to the finish… Panther Cat stuck a nose in front, Wincrea not giving up, but now tin Lizzie was absolutely flying down the far outside, Honorable Eight trying to find more.  But today, this was all about Tin Lizzie… just cruising on by them late and taking the victory.  Panther Cat was a game second and pace-setter Wincrea settled for third.  Honorable Eight was fourth, Beyondourgrasp in fifth Pip Cozzene in sixth and Hollywood Freak was last of seven.

Tin Lizzie is a 3yo bay gelding by Thats Entertainment – Wang Dang Lizzie by Wang Dang Spirit, and he was bred by Spongebob here in Cal.  Purchased by Stald Gullis at the June 2014 Auction for $12.050, prior to his racing career starting, Tin Lizzie now has six wins from thirteen starts and earnings of $488.280.

$2 Mutuel Prices:

Track: Firm       Time: :22⁴  :46   1:09¹  1:33¹
$1 Exacta: 5 – 6 Paid 66.90      $1 Trifecta: 5 – 6 – 7 Paid 340.50
Scratched: None

Categories: Grade II