At Sam Houston Race Park on February 21, Tizawiz delivered a standout performance, winning an allowance race for fillies and mares at one and one-sixteenth miles on the turf. Under jockey Jose L. Alvarez, the three-year-old filly by Goldencents out of Tizdaria (by Tiznow) stalked the early pace comfortably before asserting herself decisively in the stretch.
Breaking well despite minor contact at the start, Tizawiz positioned herself strategically just behind the early leaders. Alvarez maintained a patient, ground-saving trip, waiting until the field rounded the final turn to launch their challenge. With a confident move, Tizawiz responded immediately, pulling clear to secure a commanding victory by two and a quarter lengths. The final time was 1:46.40, earning her a career-best Equibase Speed Figure of 90.
Tizawiz was bred and is owned by Wayne Sanders and Larry Hirsch, who partnered with Clark Shepherd of Shepherd Equine Advisers to design the OPTIMAL Mating that produced the filly. This breeding approach emphasizes genetic compatibility and racing potential, clearly demonstrated by Tizawiz’s steady improvement and professional performance.
Trained by W. Bret Calhoun, Tizawiz now has two wins, one second, and two thirds from six career starts, with total earnings reaching $55,652. This recent win, marking her 2025 debut, follows a maiden special weight victory at Remington Park last October, confirming her progression and promise as a rising talent on the turf.
Runner-up Ziti (FR), after experiencing trouble at the start, rallied strongly but could not threaten the winner, while Panthera closed well to finish third. The favorite, Missingyoucrazy, set the early pace but weakened significantly in the stretch to finish last.
For Sanders, Hirsch and Shepherd Equine Advisers, Tizawiz’s victory was validation of their careful planning and scientific approach to breeding, hinting at even greater potential in the races ahead.
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