His run in the Risen Star reminded me a lot of Monba's run in the Cashcall Futurity in terms of recent 3yo prep comparisons. Both had some wise-guy momentum trip wise entering their next race (La. Derby, FOY).
Here ... I ran a search and found it. OMG I was one of those wiseguys touting Monba? after he finally got free very late in the cashcall very similar to Giant Oak's Risen Star: (so embarassing)
and then I actually learn something valuable on a
internet message board?
Back to the Future
I have never considered Giant Oak a derby prospect for the reason that I wasn't impressed beyond a good solid looking horse in the Churchill Allowance, and GO has some strikes against him in the pedigree analysis things that I look at.
However To be really fair he caught a sloppy track here, and has had some bad trips. He could certainly have hidden form.
He is nice Ill. bred, and
He really loves the main track at Arlington Park.
The Arlington poly is fairly similar to the Keeneland track. (guess where i'm going with this race fans...)
I've been playing armchair matchmaker a lot lately, but why not??
Why don't Block and Tarra enjoy this ride, and go ahead and run in The Blue Grass Stakes ? He is already nominated, Big Purse, similar to his home track in a lot of ways, nice prep for going back home or a move to the turf. I doubt it, but if he did win then they are going for the Derby.
Have some fun
