Tiz The Law: Unstoppable Or Can Be Beaten?

Tiz the Law is an American Thoroughbred racehorse born in 2017 and raced from 2019 to 2020. With an impressive racing record, Tiz the Law has won the 2020 Belmont Stakes, 2020 Travers Stakes, 2019 Champagne Stakes, and 2020 Florida Derby, and came second in the 2020 Kentucky Derby. With such a successful racing history, it is no surprise that Tiz the Law was the favourite to win the 2020 Kentucky Derby, rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the question on everyone's mind was: could anyone beat Tiz the Law?

Tiz the Law's performance in the 2020 Belmont Stakes

Tiz the Law, an American Thoroughbred racehorse, delivered a powerful performance in the 2020 Belmont Stakes, claiming a decisive victory in the prestigious race. As a heavy favourite, the New York-bred colt lived up to expectations, showcasing his talent and potential.

The 2020 Belmont Stakes, the 152nd edition of the race, was an unusual one due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race was run at a shorter distance of 1 1/8 miles instead of the typical 1 ½ miles, and it preceded the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, disrupting the normal racing schedule. Despite these unique circumstances, Tiz the Law rose to the challenge and demonstrated his class.

Tiz the Law, ridden by jockey Manuel Franco, started the race from the outside post position No. 8. He broke well and settled into a comfortable position, sitting just off the pace set by Tap It To Win, with Pneumatic in second. As the race progressed, Tiz the Law made his move, surging to the front rounding the turn and quickly opening up a significant lead. This ability to accelerate and make up ground showcased his tactical speed and racing prowess.

Tiz the Law's performance in the stretch run was particularly impressive. He pulled away from the pack, increasing his lead with every stride and leaving his competitors behind. This display of strength and endurance highlighted his potential to excel at longer distances as well. The win at Belmont Stakes was a testament to Tiz the Law's capabilities and positioned him as a serious contender for future races, including the Kentucky Derby and the potential to win the Triple Crown.

Overall, Tiz the Law's performance in the 2020 Belmont Stakes was exceptional. He overcame the challenges posed by the altered racing schedule and the shortened distance, proving his versatility and adaptability. With a combination of speed, tactical racing intelligence, and endurance, Tiz the Law stamped his authority on the race and cemented his place as one of the top racehorses of his time.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Tiz the Law's racing schedule

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Tiz the Law's racing schedule, causing the postponement and cancellation of several races. In 2020, the Kentucky Derby, typically held in May, was rescheduled to the first Saturday in September due to the pandemic. This change prompted Tiz the Law's connections to give the racehorse a break while awaiting the updated racing schedule for the remainder of the year.

Tiz the Law's 2020 racing schedule was further disrupted by closures in key racing jurisdictions. Kentucky, Maryland, and New York halted racing activities, necessitating the rescheduling of the Triple Crown races held in those states. Despite these challenges, Tiz the Law managed to compete in several notable races in 2020.

On February 1, 2020, Tiz the Law kicked off his season with a victory in the Grade III Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park in Florida. This was followed by another impressive win in the Grade I Florida Derby at the same track on March 28. Florida, being one of the few jurisdictions still hosting races, provided Tiz the Law with valuable opportunities to compete.

However, the pandemic's impact on the racing industry extended beyond scheduling. The Belmont Stakes, typically a prestigious event, underwent significant changes in 2020. The race was run at a shorter distance of 1 1/8 miles instead of the usual 1 1/2 miles, and it occurred before the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, disrupting the traditional order of Triple Crown races.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Tiz the Law demonstrated resilience and adaptability. He continued to train and race, securing victories and maintaining a strong presence in the horse racing world. The disruptions caused by COVID-19 may have altered Tiz the Law's racing schedule, but they could not diminish his talent and determination on the track.

Jockey Manny Franco's unique strategy in the Holy Bull at Gulfstream

Jockey Manny Franco employed a unique strategy in the Holy Bull at Gulfstream, a prestigious horse racing venue in Hallandale Beach, Florida. The race, which took place on February 2, 2020, saw Franco riding Tiz the Law, a promising 3-year-old colt.

Franco's strategy was to keep Tiz the Law off the rail, allowing the horse to maintain a wide trip. This move may have been in response to the traffic trouble caused by Ete Indien, who set a rapid pace for the race. By guiding Tiz the Law off the rail, Franco was able to initiate a sustained rally to the front. This decision proved crucial, as it provided the colt with the necessary space to build momentum and showcase its speed.

Franco's tactical decision-making didn't end there. He demonstrated exceptional adaptability by adjusting his position based on the movements of other jockeys. When faced with pressure from competing horses, Franco swiftly altered his course, opting to drop back and manoeuvre Tiz the Law to the outside. This flexibility allowed the horse to find its preferred stride and settle into a comfortable rhythm.

The unique strategy employed by Franco in the Holy Bull at Gulfstream showcased his skill and experience as a jockey. By staying off the rail and utilising a wide trip, he created the conditions for Tiz the Law to excel. This approach, combined with Franco's ability to read and react to the dynamics of the race, contributed to a remarkable victory for the duo. Their performance silenced doubts and solidified Tiz the Law's position as a leading contender for the 2020 Kentucky Derby.

The possibility of Art Collector beating Tiz the Law in the Kentucky Derby

Art Collector was one of the favorites to win the 2020 Kentucky Derby, along with Tiz the Law and Honor A. P. Art Collector had won the Blue Grass Stakes and Ellis Park Derby in his last two races, and was riding a four-race win streak into the Kentucky Derby. However, Art Collector suffered a minor injury to his left front heel and had to withdraw from the race.

Tiz the Law, on the other hand, was undefeated in all four starts in 2020, including the Florida Derby and Belmont Stakes. The horse had a varied running style and could sit just about anywhere. He was considered the best of the year's crop of 3-year-old colts. With a powerful-looking conformation, he moved smoothly with no paddling. He was also the first New York-bred horse to win the Belmont Stakes since 1882.

Although Art Collector had a strong chance of winning the Kentucky Derby, Tiz the Law's impressive form and the absence of Art Collector made the latter the favorite to win. Tiz the Law also had the advantage of a varied running style and a powerful conformation. Ultimately, Tiz the Law came second in the 2020 Kentucky Derby, losing to Authentic.

The potential controversy surrounding Tiz the Law's Triple Crown win

The 2020 Triple Crown was an unusual one, with the COVID-19 pandemic causing a switch in the order of the races and a shortening of the length of the Belmont Stakes. Tiz the Law, a New York-bred colt, was the favourite to win the Triple Crown, having already won the 2019 Champagne Stakes and the 2020 Florida Derby, and with a trainer, Barclay Tagg, who had previously handled a Kentucky Derby winner.

However, there was some controversy over whether the Florida Derby should have taken place at all, given the pandemic and the stricter stay-at-home mandate from Broward County. The race went ahead with no spectators, media, or owners present, and some believed that it should have been cancelled altogether.

The unusual nature of the 2020 Triple Crown led to questions over whether Tiz the Law's win should be marked with an asterisk. This was due to the fact that the Belmont Stakes, usually the final race, was run first and at a shorter distance. This meant that Tiz the Law had already won one of the three races before the Kentucky Derby, and some believed that this gave him an unfair advantage.

Additionally, the Preakness Stakes, usually the second race, was run after the Kentucky Derby, meaning that if Tiz the Law won the Derby, the hype surrounding his arrival at the Preakness would be strange and controversial. This was not simply due to the change in order of the races but also because the Preakness was run in the fall rather than the spring.

Despite the controversy, Tiz the Law's connections were thrilled with his performance, with owner Jack Knowlton stating that winning the Kentucky Derby was "the highlight for anyone who is involved in this sport".

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