SHEPHERDSTOWN — Any thoroughbred racing fan who saw Tiznow virtually will his way to his second Breeders Cup Classic win would be tempted to chance a few bob on one of his younger relatives.

Tiznow was the cornerstone of what WinStar stables was accomplishing about a decade ago. Not only did he refuse to lose in his second Breeders Classic success, but he had already caught racing’s headlines in winning his first “Classic.”

Here in 2020, Tiznow’s grandson is on the prowl and looking for Kentucky Derby roses as his connections prep him for the first Saturday in May.

Tiz the Law, the three-year-old son of sire Constitution and broodmare Tizfiz, would be the betting favorite if the Kentucky Derby would be run today.

Tizfiz is the stakes-winning daughter of the much-recognized Tiznow and Constitution is something of a new kid on the block among sires because thoroughbreds going to the races this year are from his so-called “first crop.”

Anybody finding their rooting interest centered on the more ordinary thoroughbred owners and less-publicized trainers will remember Funny Cide, owned by a happy-go-lucky group of high school classmates from upstate New York. Funny Cide was able to win both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, but his Triple Crown hopes were dashed in the Belmont Stakes.

Sackatoga Stable owned the New York-bred Funny Cide; and it also owns Tiz the Law. Venerable trainer Barclay Tagg stays mostly in the background and away from the always-chasing media.

It was only in August of last year that Tiz the Law made his racing debut. Racing at historic Saratoga in New York state, Tiz the Law toyed with a field of New York-bred maidens in winning by over four lengths in his first try.

Tagg sent him to the Grade I Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park for his second-ever race. The sweet-striding bay colt also won that time.

The Sackatoga Stable people no longer take a refurbished school bus to see their proteges run, but their group can be just as colorful as they were when Funny Cide grabbed the country’s attention.

In his last race in 2019, Tiz the Law seemed to disappoint many in the racing fraternity when he finished third on a sloppy Churchill Downs track.

Rested over this fading winter, he made his 2020 debut in Florida and posted a sizable win in the Holy Bull Stakes, charging through the stretch to win by three lengths.

Four career starts. Three wins. Now one more on-track appearance before resting about six weeks until the First Saturday in May brings the much-anticipated Kentucky Derby to the spring calendar.

Tiznow guards his family tree. He can be quickly recognized on the track because of his decorative white blaze that nearly covers all his face.

And he’s owned by those whose money isn’t counted in eight figures.

Tiz the Law just might be the thoroughbred pride of 2020.