Tiz A Coup Has Chance to Get the Finish Right

When Tyler Baze rides Tiz A Coup in today’s $75,000 Quicken Tree Stakes at Hollywood Park, the jockey will know the first time he passes the finish line won’t be the end of the 1 1/2-mile turf race.

Too bad rider Jorge Carreno didn’t know the same thing when he rode the 4-year-old Cee’s Tizzy gelding in his last start, the $50,000 Hasta La Vista Handicap, a turf marathon (1 7/8 miles) last month at Turf Paradise.

Carreno opened up a large lead -- 18 lengths at one point -- and started celebrating when he crossed the wire, thinking he had won the race, but, in actuality, there was another lap to go.

After realizing his mistake, Carreno, who had started to pull Tiz A Coup, started riding the California-bred again and the gelding did well to finish fifth, beaten 10 1/2 lengths.

A win by Tiz A Coup would be a shock today in a race in which Black Bart, who has improved immensely since being claimed by trainer Troy Bainum for owner Tom Metzger, is the one to beat.

Since being taken for $16,000 on Dec. 19 at Hollywood Park, the 5-year-old Stage Colony gelding has won five of seven, including the $150,000 Khaled Stakes on April 24. Alex Solis will ride. The field is completed by Shalini, Fade To Blue, Ringaskiddy and Remonte.

Race of the day: Hot Market will seek his second win of the meet for trainer Craig Lewis in today’s fifth at Hollywood Park. Apprentice Mick Ruis will again ride the 6-year-old gray gelding in the $40,000 claimer at 1 1/16 miles.

One for the road: Third Half can make a successful debut for trainer Bobby Frankel in New York in the seventh at Belmont Park as he tries for his fourth win in 11 starts in the $50,000 allowance at one mile.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Pittsburgh City and Mr. Ching in the sixth, Bulita in the seventh, Black Bart and Ringaskiddy in the eighth and Hidden Beauty, Roar Of Africa and Red Neck Lady in the ninth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/86. Money: Previous day/meet total: $28/$502.60. Total money bet: $674.