NEWS
Red Giant sets course record in Virginia Derby
Posted: Saturday, July 21, 2007 7:43 PM
RED GIANT (outside) OUT-NODS STRIKE A DEAL IN THE VIRGINIA DERBY
Jeff Coady/Coady Photography
by Jenny Blandford
Peachtree Stable’s Red Giant earned his first graded stakes win with a nose victory over Strike a Deal and set a course record at Colonial Downs on Saturday in the $1-million Virginia Derby (G2).
Sent off as the longest shot in the ten-horse field at odds of 37-to-1, the Giant’s Causeway colt was reserved in fourth as Inca King set the pace though six furlongs in 1:12.86. Strike a Deal overtook Inca King leaving the far turn, while Red Giant was maneuvered into a clear path by local jockey Horacio Karamanos.
Red Giant gained momentum and closed determinedly under an energetic drive by Karamanos - who picked up the mount late after Red Giant was initially listed with no rider - to narrowly prevail in a photo finish over Strike a Deal.
Red Giant completed 1 1/4 miles in 1:59.62 on a firm turf to set a new course record, eclipsing the previous mark of 1:59.97 set by Phi Beta Doc on October 2, 1999.
Strike a Deal was four lengths clear of third-place finisher Soldier’s Dancer.
Red Giant entered off a nose victory in the Restoration Stakes on June 17 at Monmouth Park which followed a two-length victory in an allowance race on June 3 at Belmont Park for trainer Todd Pletcher.
A half brother to multiple Grade 3-placed stakes winner Carnera, Red Giant is out of stakes-placed winner Beyond the Sun, by Kingmambo. He improved to four wins, one second, and one third in eight career starts and increased his earnings to $712,410.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Jenny Blandford is a Thoroughbred Times assistant daily news editor
