Tiz Tok shines with win in ‘Lindy’ Delapenha Memorial Trophy
Tiz Tok’s victory in the $1.25-million Lloyd Lindbergh “Lindy” Delapenha Memorial Trophy on Sunday, February 23, 2025 was no surprise, given his good morning workouts leading into the race.
However, trainer Anthony “Baba” Nunes admitted that he had envisioned an even more commanding victory from his charge.
The Tiz Now – Weekend Prospect offspring Tiz Tok romped home to a 6 ¼ lengths success in the Non-Restricted Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward over one mile (1,600m).
With Shane Ellis in the irons, Tiz Tok stopped the clock in 1:39.0 (24.1 x 46.4 x 1:12.4 x 1:25.3), registering his first win on local soil from two outings.
“Well, I’m glad he won,” Nunes told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.
“I did expect him to win a lot easier to be honest. He hasn’t run since the Mouttet Mile last year, and the track was going through a dry-out process. Shane [Ellis told] me the track was heavier than expected, so we’re glad for the win and hopefully he’ll move forward,” Nunes added.
Nunes acknowledged that Tiz Tok will need to improve significantly to compete against Open Allowance and Graded Stakes horses in his next start.
“Tiz Tok’s preparation coming into the race was beautiful, it was smooth, and he worked brilliantly throughout. That’s why my expectations were high of him. I believe he has the ability to become a Grade One horse, but it’s up to me to do my job right and keep him happy and healthy,” said Nunes.
The race began with Tiz Tok breaking well alongside Kem, ridden by Garvin Harries. However, Ellis strategically held his mount back, allowing Geolithic (Jaheim Anderson), James (Romane Gordon), and Divine Force to take the lead as they raced down the backstretch.
In an encouraging display of speed and agility, Tiz Tok made a swift move, surrounding his rivals as he navigated the half-mile (800m) turn. From there, he continued to open up his lead, ultimately securing a decisive victory. Divine Force finished second, with D Head Cornerstone (Dane Dawkins) getting up for third spot.
Ellis was thrilled with Tiz Tok’s performance, despite the less-than-ideal track conditions.
“He’s in tip-top shape right now and feeling very good. He is feeling very good right now, and the performance was also good,” Ellis said.
“The trainer said that the final time wasn’t great, but I’m not worried about that. The rain made the track very heavy, and I didn’t want to take any chances with him. I don’t know if he has ever run on a sloppy track before or a track that was sealed before so I didn’t take any chances. I hit the front and once I hit the front, he just slowed down and waited for the competition,” Ellis added.