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BLACK TIE AFFAIR HANDICAP PANS OUT FOR
THE PIZZA MAN WITH VICTORY
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (June 21, 2014) – Midwest Thoroughbreds’ The Pizza Man took the lead inside the final furlong overtaking pacesetter Tazz to win the $85,450 Black Tie Affair Handicap at Arlington International Racecourse by a half-length. Sheldon Russell was aboard the son of English Channel for the first time. The winner covered the mile and a sixteenth over a turf course rated “good” in 1:42.86.
“The Pizza Man is such an old class horse and maybe doesn’t have that big kick so I wanted to make sure he was close enough at the top of the stretch. He’s got a big heart and I think he proved that he is still a very good horse,” said Russell about The Pizza Man’s performance. “It’s a huge advantage when trainers allow you to get these horses and do some of their morning workouts. I’m very fortunate that Roger (trainer Brueggemann) gave me the opportunity to get used to this horse. The horse hasn’t missed a beat in the mornings and they were very excited about his comeback today.”
Tazz, ridden by C. H. Marquez Jr., took the field of six through moderate fractions of 23.83 seconds for the quarter-mile, 48.93 seconds for the half-mile, a three-quarter mile split of 1:13.58, and a mile in 1:37.03 before being caught late.
“It was a good trip. We went a little quick early but then he settled and went a :48 half,” said Marquez of the runner-up. “He had everything his own way and didn’t quit. I couldn’t shake him from (The Pizza Man).”
Runner-up in this race last year, The Pizza Man is now six for eight on Arlington’s turf course. Overall, the 5-year-old gelding boasts a record of 10 wins from 15 starts and with the winner’s share of $49,124 boosted his bankroll to $250,892.
The Pizza Man paid $3.20, $2.40, and $2.10. Tazz returned $3.40 and $3.00. Domain’s Rap finished third and returned $4.00.
Sweet Luca, Ice Climber and Dad Are We Here completed the order of finish.
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