Tiznow Has Foot Problems

Tiznow, the high weight and probable favorite for Saturday’s $1-million Santa Anita Handicap, has become questionable for the race because of a series of foot problems.

“It’s better than even money that he’ll be able to run,” trainer Jay Robbins said Monday night. “A lot will depend on how he comes out of a gallop [today].”

Tiznow, who was voted horse of the year for 2000, late last week bled slightly from behind an acrylic patch that had protected a quarter crack in his right front hoof.

“We took the patch off, and he was sound and the foot was cold, and that a good sign,” Robbins said. “But then there was evidence of a second crack.”

During a two-mile jog on Monday, Tiznow sprung a shoe on the same foot. Robbins said that the shoe will be replaced and the quarter cracks repaired before the 4-year-old colt gallops between 1 1/8 miles and 1 1/4 miles today at Santa Anita.

“We could be in pretty good shape,” Robbins said. “But we’ll just have to take it a day at a time and hope for the best.”

Tiznow, assigned 122 pounds for the Big ‘Cap, has made two starts this year since winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic in November. He won the San Fernando Stakes before running second behind Wooden Phone in the Strub on Feb. 3.