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Slow start for Champaign's Derby hopeful

Posted by: Tony Bleill

Tuesday, February 10, 2009 3:30 PM

Giant Oak, the 3-year-old colt trained by Champaign area native Chris Block, finished fifth as the 2-1 favorite in Saturday's Risen Star Stakes at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. But don't give up on the Illinois-bred colt, owned by Virginia and Rudy Tarra of Orland Park, just yet.

Giant Oak had a terrible trip, filled with traffic problems. Last early, he made a nice run on the backstretch under jockey Edgar Prado, but was blocked behind a wall of horses as the field entered the far turn. Prado had to tap on the brakes, costing Giant Oak critical positioning, and couldn't find adequate room until the field entered the stretch. By then, it was too late; the race was essentially over, but Giant Oak made a nice late run on the far outside.

Give him another chance in the Louisiana Derby on March 14. With a clear run (it wasn't Prado's finest hour), and a little stronger pace in front of him to set up his late run, Giant Oak will be a major presence in the Louisiana Derby. And the best part is, we should get much better than 2-1 odds on him. Get in line at the window now.

You can watch the replay here. Giant Oak is No. 7, wearing the orange saddle cloth.

The first round of Churchill Downs' Derby Futures wagering begins Thursday and is available at the Champaign OTB. Giant Oak is 15-1 on the morning line. (Just a hint, but you can find a higher price on him at other online betting outlets.)