Kentucky Derby Spotlight: Tiztastic Brings Home Court Advantage to Kentucky Derby
Tiztastic wins the Louisiana Derby (Photo by Hodges Photography/Amanda Hodges Weir)
March 26th, 2025
Fresh off an impressive victory in the Louisiana Derby (G2), Winchell Thoroughbreds' Tiztastic returns to familiar territory at Churchill Downs, where the Steve Asmussen trainee has already demonstrated a strong affinity for the historic oval.
The dark bay son of Tiz the Law has logged significant hours beneath the Twin Spires, with a series of methodical works dating back to last September. His Churchill form includes a strong runner-up finish in stakes company last October, where he showed tactical versatility despite traffic trouble, and a solid third-place effort in November's Kentucky Jockey Club (G2).
Tiztastic wins the Louisiana Derby 2025 (Photo by Hodges Photography/Amanda Hodges Weir)
What catches the eye in Tiztastic's development is his progression from a precocious juvenile to a three-year-old who relishes added ground. His pedigree, by Belmont Stakes winner Tiz the Law out of the Tapit mare Keesha, suggests the Derby's 10 furlongs should be well within reach.
The colt's running style has evolved significantly since his maiden days at Saratoga. Once primarily a sprinter, Tiztastic has developed into a tactical runner who can effectively rate and deliver a sustained drive, as evidenced by his breakthrough performance in the Louisiana Derby at 1 3/16 miles.
Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, still seeking his first Kentucky Derby victory, appears to have Tiztastic peaking at the right time. The trainer's post-Louisiana Derby comment that "there is more in him" suggests we haven't seen this colt's ceiling yet.
With eight lifetime starts and over $1.5 million in earnings, Tiztastic brings both experience and class to the Derby starting gate. His familiarity with Churchill's unique surface, combined with his tactical speed and proven stamina, makes him a serious contender for America's most prestigious race. The home-track advantage could prove decisive as this improving son of Tiz the Law attempts to give both Asmussen and Winchell Thoroughbreds their long-awaited first Derby triumph.
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