Tizbud Returns After Layoff

More famous for the horses he’s related to rather than his accomplishments on the track, Tizbud will make his first start since Jan. 11 in the sixth today at Santa Anita.

The younger brother of multiple stakes winners Budroyale and Tiznow and the older sibling of unbeaten 2-year-old filly Tizdubai, Tizbud hasn’t raced since he finished third in the San Fernando Breeders’ Cup in his stakes debut.

Owned by Cees Stable and trained by John Sadler, the 4-year-old colt has one win in four starts, a six-length maiden victory at Hollywood Park Nov. 14. He has trained well for his return and is the 7-5 favorite on Jeff Tufts’ morning line in the $49,000 optional claimer at a flat mile. Victor Espinoza has ride.

Two races earlier, Brancusi, who was third in the San Felipe Stakes and second in the Blue Grass before finishing last in the Kentucky Derby, will make his turf debut in a $49,000 allowance at one mile.

Race of the day: Shadow Of Illinois is the 7-2 favorite in a competitive seventh, a $50,000 optional claimer at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf. Alex Solis will ride Shadow Of Illinois, who will probably try to go wire-to-wire. Other contenders include Sweet Stepper, Golden Arrow, Kachamandi and Ecstatic.

One for the road: Quinton’s Gold will make his first start at Belmont Park in the fifth after being claimed for $50,000 by the productive owner-trainer combo of Roddy Valente and Bruce Levine. Richard Migliore will ride the 6-year-old Carson City horse in the seven-furlong race for $75,000 claimers.

Exotically speaking: A pick three singling Eventfull in the third, Brancusi, Kewen and Snorter in the fourth and Triple Fantasy, Brave Vixen and Yingyingying in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/11. Money: Previous day/meet total: $17/$45.40. Total money bet: $36.