NEWS
Giant Oak takes Donn for second straight Grade 1 score
Posted: Saturday, February 05, 2011 5:41 PM
GIANT OAK
Bob Coglianese photo
For video of the Donn Handicap, click here.
by Mike Curry
After winning the Clark Handicap (G1) via disqualification in November at Churchill Downs, Giant Oak needed no such assistance in the $500,000 Donn Handicap (G1) as he powered clear in the final sixteenth on Saturday at Gulfstream Park for a convincing win from well off the pace.
The five-year-old Giant’s Causeway horse was rated in seventh in the nine-horse field by Shaun Bridgmohan and overpowered Square Eddie first before inhaling runner-up Morning Line, Rule, and I Want Revenge late to prevail in 1:48.23 for 1 1/8 miles on a track rated as fast.
Trained by Chris Block for owner-breeder the Virginia H. Tarra Trust, Giant Oak won his first graded stakes in the Clark after placing in seven graded races before the breakthrough score. With two straight Grade 1 wins, both trainer and jockey think he is beginning to realize his potential.
“He’s just really growing up,” Bridgmohan said of the 7.40-to-1 fifth betting choice. “He’s come such a long way. It’s so good to see because he’s always had a ton of ability and I’m happy that he’s finally getting to show that.”
Block, who was excited about Giant Oak’s chances entering the Donn, is looking forward to the rest of the season after probably the best career performance of the Illinois-bred’s career. Giant Oak boosted his earnings to $1,256,677 with five wins from 24 career starts.
“He’s a Giant’s Causeway and I think he’s just gotten better with age and maturation as that line seems to do,” he said. “He trained very well over the track and seemed to like the change of scenery. I had a good feeling going into the race. I’ve never seen him get up into the bridle the way he did today. We’ll talk about the options, including Dubai [World Cup (UAE-G1)], and make a decision with the owners.”
A half brother to multiple stakes winner Apple Martini, Giant Oak is out of the Grade 3-winning Craft Prospector mare Crafty Oak.
Morning Line, last year’s Pennsylvania Derby (G2) winner, nipped multiple Grade 3 winner Rule by a nose for second. Grade 1 winner I Want Revenge finished fourth, 3 1/4 lengths clear of 2010 Travers (G1) and Belmont (G1) Stakes runner-up Fly Down, who was sent off as the 5-to-2 favorite.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
READER COMMENTS
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Posted by: Jean, Methuen, MA on February 08, 2011 at 02:17 PM
Don't you think that this is a great example of why horses should remain in training? Some mature later than others. We wouldn't have had an opportunity to see this horse go from average to really good if it wasn't for this year. He always had ability, we didn't see it all the time. I really wish they would not give away big purses for two year olds and offer them for four year olds & up. This horse is making this winter exciting, outside of developing Derby horses!
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Posted by: Jack, Balitmore, MD on February 07, 2011 at 12:47 AM
I always thought that Giant Oak would eventually win a big G1 race on his own merit someday. He's run really well against G1 company many times on conventional dirt, turf, and synthetics. But always found at least one in every field that proved better. But he's arguably in the best form of his career right now. Well done Giant Oak. A well deserved, long overdue victory for a classy horse.
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Posted by: uncle mo lover!, arlington park, IL on February 06, 2011 at 03:12 PM
I have always had high hopes for giant oak!! and he is finally proving him self
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