Tiz Miz Sue posts surprise repeat win in Azeri Stakes

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Hot Springs, AR (Sports Network) - Tiz Miz Sue, ridden by Joe Rocco Jr., ran down the leaders to successfully defend her crown in Saturday's $150,000 Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn Park. The 6-year-old mare covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.26 on a fast track.

My Miss Aurelia, the 2011 champion 2-year-old filly, went off as the 4-5 favorite in the five-horse field with Don't Tell Sophia the 9-5 second choice and Tiz Miz Sue at 8-1.

Setting the pace was Songs and Sonnets with My Miss Aurelia running second and Don't Tell Sophia in third. Tiz Miz Sue was racing fourth with She's All In trailing.

Songs and Sonnets, ridden by Garrett Gomez, opened a sizable lead with a half-mile to go. My Miss Aurelia, ridden by Corey Nakatani, and Don't Tell Sophia began to cut into the leader's advantage on the far turn as Tiz Miz Sue also gained ground.

Around the final turn, Songs and Sonnets, My Miss Aurelia and Don't Tell Sophia were across the track with Tiz Miz Sue right behind in fourth.

At the top of the stretch, Don't Tell Sophia, ridden by Robby Albarado, had taken the lead and was quickly joined by Tiz Miz Sue who was able to pass the second favorite nearing the wire and post a 1 1/4-length victory.

My Miss Aurelia, who was making her 2013 debut, held on for third followed by She's All In and Songs and Sonnets. Keiai Tokyo and Holy Heavens were early scratches.

Trained by Steve Hobby, Tiz Miz Sue notched her first win since last year's Azeri and added $90,000 to her bankroll. The mare has won seven of 30 career starts for $789,709.

Tiz Miz Sue, owned by Cresran LLC, began the year with a third to Don't Tell Sophia in the Bayakoa Stakes at Oaklawn. Last year she was second in the Bayakoa before claiming the Azeri.

Tiz Miz Sue returned $18.40, $5.20 and $2.80. Don't Tell Sophia paid $3.40 and $2.20, and My Miss Aurelia paid $2.10 to show.