Holy Bull Preview: Tiz the Law Eyes Redemption

For the second weekend in a row, Gulfstream Park will host a huge event. This week, it’s on to the Kentucky Derby Trail and the $250,000 Holy Bull Stakes (G3). This race delivers valuable Derby points on a 10-4-2-1 scale. Gulfstream Park will host one of three Derby Preps this weekend, with the Withers Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct and the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park also on the slate. The Holy Bull is race 11 on the card with a post time of 5:04 PM ET.

All eyes will be watching the 3-year-old debut of Tiz the Law, who struggled to a lackluster third-place effort last time out at Churchill Downs in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2). However, he showed a tremendous amount of talent before that effort, breaking his maiden in stylish fashion at Saratoga before dominating foes once again in the Champagne Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park. After a few strong local works, he seems ready to roll. Manny Franco will ride from post 3. 

Tiz the Law will have to catch recent local allowance winner Ete Indien to get the job done. The Summer Front colt was able to pull away from his rivals with ease last time out in his dirt debut, winning by 2 1/2 lengths. He’ll have Luca Panici abroad as he breaks from post 4.  

Toledo wheels back for trainer Chad Brown after finishing second to Ete Indien last time out. He could improve with the added distance, which should suit him better than the one-turn mile in which he competed last time out. He’ll break from the rail with Irad Ortiz, Jr., once again along for the ride. 

The full field from the rail out includes Toledo, Uncork the Bottle, Tiz the Law, Ete Indien, Clear Destination, Relentless Dancer, and Mayberry Deputy.

Top Choice

#3 Tiz the Law – On paper, this is his race to lose. He struggled last time out in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) in the slop, but he was ultra-impressive before that dull effort. The pace here looks like it will set up perfectly for him and he has a few solid workouts to show that he’s ready to roll. This should serve as his perfect starting-off point and sharpen him up for bigger races yet to come.

Horses to Use in Multi-Race Wagers 

#4 Ete Indien – After two starts on turf to begin his career, he tried dirt last time out and won an allowance event by 2 1/2 lengths over Toledo. In that start, he showed a lot of early speed, something he hadn’t shown up to that point. We’ll soon find out if that was a fluke or if he is for real. If he can repeat his last effort, then he’ll have a chance. 

Exotic Plays 

#1 Toledo – There is no getting around the fact that he disappointed last time out as the 3/5 favorite in an allowance event. He gets extra distance here, which should be more to his liking based on his running style. Still, he’ll have to show significant improvement in order to have a shot at taking down Tiz the Law. A hot pace would help. 

Party Crashers 

#6 Relentless Dancer – He makes his 3-year-old debut after winning the state-bred restricted Louisiana Legacy Stakes at Delta Downs last time out by 10 1/2 lengths. While that’s an impressive margin of victory, he faces a much different class level this time around. It’s hard to see an upset in this race, but if there is, then this horse will likely be the one to do it. 

Throw Outs 

#7 Mayberry Deputy – The recent surprise maiden special weight winner at Gulfstream Park takes aim at stakes company in a logical next step this time of year. He showed some ability in victory, but he most improve from a speed figure standpoint if he wants to compete with the top few here. 

#2 Uncork the Bottle – He’s a perfect in three career starts, always a positive sign, and he’s won on both dirt and turf. This is a major jump up in class, though, which is his biggest question mark. From a speed figure standpoint, he has a lot of improving to do if he wants to compete at this level. 

#5 Clear Destination – After several starts on turf and synthetic, this colt will move back to the dirt. It’s a curious move, considering both of his dirt efforts resulted in off-the-board finishes. He’ll need to run considerably better if he wants to have a chance here. 

Check out all of our picks and plays for the Kentucky Derby Prep Races HERE