Tiznow’s Tourist goes gate-to-wire to capture $100,000 Sir Cat S. at Saratoga

WinStar Farm LLC and Gary Barber’s Tourist ran his turf record to a perfect 3-for-3 in the $100,000 Sir Cat S. Friday at Saratoga, the first stakes win for the 3-year-old Tiznow colt.

Breaking from the center in the field of seven, Tourist was on a measured hold from Joel Rosario going into the first of two turns, just to the outside of Storming Inti. The dark bay colt opened up his margin to a length and half down the backstretch, getting a half-mile in :47.24.

Powering clear by three lengths in mid-stretch, Tourist coasted home in the final furlong to win by 1 3/4-lengths in a very fast 1:33.54, just missing the track record of 1:33.42 and getting a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 102.

“It didn’t surprise me (that he improved when switched to the turf),” said trainer Bill Mott of the winner. “The problem was, he ran just well enough on the dirt that we kind of kept trying him. We all want a Derby horse, right? We tried him one or two extra times on the dirt than, maybe, was to his benefit, but it’s all coming together now.”

As for Tourist’s next start, Mott said, “There are a few 3-year-old races left for the year. I guess what we have got to decide is if he’ll stretch out beyond a mile. We have to figure out what direction we want to go now.”

WinStar bred Tourist, who is out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Unbridled Melody and is a half-brother to OBS Championship S. winner Michael With Us.

Tourist in now 3-1-1 in seven starts, earning $156,830 after Friday’s $60,000 payday.

Tiznow’s progeny are having another stellar year in 2014, having surpassed the $4.7 million earnings mark, good for fourth on the General Sire list.