Tizway has it his way in Metropolitan Handicap

NEW YORK (AP) - Tizway pulled away in the stretch and stormed to victory in the $500,000 Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park on Monday.

The 6-year-old son of Tiznow left his rivals in the dust once he made the turn for home and covered the mile in a scorching 1:32.90 - the second-fastest time in the 118-year-old history of the race. The record is 1:32.81, set by Honour and Glory in 1996.

A year ago, Tizway finished third in the Metropolitan Handicap behind Quality Road, who won in a speedy 1:33.11. This time, the horse trained by H. James Bond came through with a dazzling performance of his own in winning by 2 3/4 lengths over Rodman. Caixa Eletronica was third, with Aikenite fourth in the field of 11.

Ridden by Rajiv Maragh, Tizway ended a three-race losing streak with his first win since taking the Kelso Handicap at Belmont last October. In fact, Tizway just loves Belmont, where he has picked up four of his six career victories.

With the win, Tizway earns an automatic berth into the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Churchill Downs in November, with the Breeders' Cup paying entry fees ($30,000) and providing the owners with $10,000 for travel expenses.

Sent off at 3-1 on a hot, sunny day, Tizway hooked up with Tackleberry for the lead, with New York-bred Haynesfield following in close pursuit. When the leaders hit the turn, Tizway moved to the lead on the outside and when he hit the top of the stretch, it was just about over.

With little urging by Maragh, Tizway lengthened his lead with every stride and was home free, with Rodman making a strong move for second, 5 1/2 lengths ahead of Caixa Eletronica.

Tizway, owned by William Clifton Jr., earned $300,000 for the win to boost his bankroll to $909,274.