Tizway shows the way in Met Mile

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Elmont, NY (Sports Network) - Tizway, the 3-1 post-time favorite, took the lead at the top of the stretch on his way to winning Memorial Day's $500,000 Metropolitan Handicap (Met Mile) at Belmont Park. Ridden by Rajiv Maragh, the six-year-old covered the mile in 1:32.90.

Breaking from the outside post in the 11 horse field, Tizway broke sharply along with Tackleberry who started from post 10. Sitting just off the two leaders were Stormy's Majesty, Haynesfield and Caixa Eletronica.

Tackleberry, ridden by Javier Santiago, and Tizway continued to duel for the lead as the field entered the far turn. Haynesfield was third with Caixa Eletronica in fourth and Stormy's Majesty fifth.

Coming off the final turn Tizway shook loose from Tackleberry as Caixa Eletronica took over second. Trained by H. James Bond, Tizway opened down the stretch as 36-1 longshot Rodman came up the rail into second.

Tizway registered a 2 3/4-length win over Rodman with Caixa Eletronica finishing third and Aikenite rallying for fourth. Completing the order of finish were Haynesfield, Stormy's Majesty, Soaring Empire, Ibboyee, Tackleberry, Yawanna Twist and Kensei.

The Met Mile record of 1:32.81 was set in 1996 by Honour and Glory.

Owned by William L. Clifton, Jr., Tizway notched his first win since taking the Kelso Handicap at Belmont Park last October. The six-year-old added $300,000 to his bankroll and is now the winner of six of 19 career starts for $909,274.

In last year's Met Mile, Tizway was third behind Quality Road as a 24-1 longshot.

Tizway closed 2010 with a fifth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. In his two races this year, he was third in both the Gulfstream Park Handicap and Charles Town Classic, first behind Tackleberry and then Duke of Mischief.

Tizway returned $8.20, $5.00 and $3.90. Rodman paid $28.60 and $18.00, and Caixa Eletronica paid $5.20 to show.