Tizamagician forges to victory in Del Mar’s Cougar II S. (G3)

MyRacehorse and Spendthrift Farm’s Tizamagician outran Cupid’s Claw in the Del Mar stretch to win Sunday’s $100,000 Cougar II S. (G3) by nearly three lengths.

The 4-year-old colt has had an excellent campaign this year, winning the Tokyo City S. (G3) by nine lengths, as well as finishing second in both the Brooklyn H. (G2) and San Pasqual S. (G2). Overall, his record stands at 5-7-9 in 18 starts, with earnings of $427,851.

Competing at 1 ½-miles for his third straight start, Tizamagician and jockey Flavien Prat were second just behind Heywoods Beach for the first mile. Rounding the final of three turns, Tizamagician and Cupid’s Claws went by the pacesetter and were side-by-side at the top of the stretch. Tizamagician began to edge clear soon after and came home a clear winner.

“He likes to run all day. I think Flavien (Prat) even had trouble pulling him up after all that,” said winning trainer Richard Mandella. “He’s figuring things out and he really likes the long distance. He’s improving my training. We’ll size it up (regarding next race) there may be one down here and there’s a really nice marathon during the Breeders’ Cup. That’s what we’re really looking for.”