In a thrilling display of skill and endurance, Tizzy in the Sky added another feather to her cap by winning the $150,000 Ladies Stakes at Aqueduct. This victory marked her sixth win on the Big A main track, all achieved under different conditions. Owned by KimDon Racing and trained by the legendary Todd Pletcher, this six-year-old mare demonstrated remarkable adaptability and maturity, showcasing her prowess in a field of four seasoned fillies and mares. The race, held over a distance of 1⅛ miles, saw Tizzy in the Sky employ a stalking strategy before making a decisive move in the final stretch. Her jockey, Kendrick Carmouche, played a pivotal role in executing this winning approach.
Aqueduct's Golden Afternoon: Tizzy in the Sky Dominates the Ladies Stakes
In the crisp chill of early January, Aqueduct Racetrack witnessed an exhilarating performance by Tizzy in the Sky, who secured her second consecutive stakes victory in the Ladies Stakes. The event took place on a bright Saturday afternoon, with the fast dirt track setting the stage for a memorable race. Tizzy in the Sky, guided by jockey Kendrick Carmouche, started from the inside post and quickly found her rhythm, stalking Comparative, who led the pack through the opening quarter-mile in a swift 24.74 seconds.
As the race progressed, Tizzy in the Sky maintained a close but strategic position, waiting for the perfect moment to make her move. By the far turn, she drew alongside Comparative after three-quarters of a mile in 1:16.12 and swiftly took the lead. With each stride, her advantage grew, building a commanding three-length cushion over fellow Pletcher trainee Julia Shining. Tizzy in the Sky crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 1:52.56, securing a dominant victory and leading a Pletcher exacta. Julia Shining finished second, just ahead of Comparative, who edged out Evidencias for third place.
Tizzy in the Sky’s success was not only a testament to her natural talent but also to the strategic acumen of her trainer, Todd Pletcher, who has now won the Ladies Stakes five times. Carmouche praised the horse’s versatility and composure, noting that patience and timing were key to their success. Meanwhile, Dylan Davis, riding Julia Shining, acknowledged that a faster pace would have suited his mount better, highlighting the complexities of racing dynamics.
Bred in Kentucky by Westrock Stables, Tizzy in the Sky comes from a lineage of champions. Her victory in the Ladies Stakes added $82,500 to her earnings, improving her career record to 14 starts with 6 wins and 4 places. As the post-time favorite, she returned $3.30 for a $2 win bet, solidifying her status as a formidable force in the world of thoroughbred racing.
From a journalist's perspective, Tizzy in the Sky’s latest triumph underscores the importance of experience and adaptability in horse racing. Her ability to thrive under varying conditions and strategies is a reminder that success often hinges on more than just speed—it requires intelligence, resilience, and the right team behind the scenes. Tizzy in the Sky’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how consistent effort and strategic planning can lead to repeated victories, even in highly competitive environments.