Tiz the Bomb Targets Caesars Turf Triple Series

Magdalena Racing's Tiz the Bomb , who has won over three different surfaces, will now turn his focus to a turf campaign and a start next in the $1 million Caesars Belmont Derby Invitational (G1T) for sophomores traveling 1 1/4 miles over the turf July 9 at Belmont Park. 

"That's where we're headed," owner and trainer Kenny McPeek said. "He should be set for the race on July 9."

The Caesars Belmont Derby is the first leg of the Caesars Turf Triple series at NYRA and is followed by the 1 3/16-mile $1 million Caesars Saratoga Derby Invitational (G1T) Aug. 6 at Saratoga Race Course and the 1 1/2-mile $1 million Caesars Jockey Club Derby (G3T) in September at Belmont.

Tiz the Bomb was last seen finishing ninth in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) May 7, defeated 12 1/2 lengths by upset winner Rich Strike  after breaking slowly and finding his best stride late. The Kentucky Derby marked a return to dirt for Tiz the Bomb, who punched his ticket to Louisville with a 2 1/4-length win in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) over synthetic at Turfway Park. 

"I thought he really needed to break clean and be positioned to run better in the Derby, but he didn't disgrace himself," McPeek said. "It could have gone better, but we gave him his chance, which he deserved."

The bay son of Hit It a Bomb   broke his maiden at second asking in an off-the-turf maiden in July at Ellis Park, getting home an impressive 14 1/4-length winner. He made his next three outings over the turf, earning wins in the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile Stakes and Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes (G2T) before finishing a game second to Modern Games  in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T) at Del Mar to close out his juvenile campaign. 

McPeek said that while Tiz the Bomb has shown proficiency over the dirt, he will now focus on turf races going forward. 

"I definitely think he's significantly better on the grass," said McPeek. "We gave him his dirt try and he's a lovely horse. I'm excited. These next couple races are really good spots for him—great distances and surfaces."

Tiz the Bomb, out of the winning Tiznow  mare Tiz the Key, was a $330,000 purchase by McPeek at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Selected Yearlings Showcase out of the Eaton Sales consignment. He boasts a consistent record of 9-5-1-0 and earnings in excess of $1 million, making him the leading progeny for his sire by earnings.