Manny Franco lauds Tiz The Law after flawless victory in Florida

Jockey Manny Franco has comended Tiz the Law over his dominant display in the Grade 1 Curlin Florida Derby.

With Kentucky Derby which he could have run five weeks from Saturday, he could continue the momentum, but that has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the postponement, Tiz the Law will still be favourite ahead of the competition at Churchill Downs

The colt had earlier won the Holy Bull (G3) hero in the Gulfstream Park meet, crossed the finishing line ahead in a dominant fashion in the Grade 1, $750,000 renewal of the Florida Derby. It was a competition held in front of an empty grandstand due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With the line up competition canceled till the first Saturday of September, it is hoped that the colt will remain in top form.

Tiz who was 7-5 favorite rolled to 1 1/8 miles in a minute and 50 seconds with Franco steadying the drive and he was not really under pressure once he set down for the drive.

The Barclay Tagg trainee has now added 100 Kentucky Derby qualifying points and another Grade 1 victory to his record. He had won last fall’s Champagne (G1) around one turn.

Praising the colt, Sackatoga’s Jack Knowlton described him as special. While noting that it would have been fun going to Kentucky in five weeks, but that won’t hold due to COVID-19, he said all that is left is for him to get some more races.

Giving credit to the colt as well, Franco said Tiz broke out perfectly like a shot he was able to break and allow the horse on the outside clear him which makes him end up in a good position.

While noting that he had to wait for the right moment while he was third, he said the horse heed his call when needed and he was there to do the rest.

Shivaree was second in the race surprisingly with Ete Indien taking the third spot.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed