Multiple Grade 1 winner Giant Oak
put in his final preparation for the Whitney Invitational with a bullet
five-furlong work over the main track that went in 58.97 seconds with regular
rider Shaun Bridgmohan.
“He broke off at the pole pretty
calm,” said Arthur Coontz, assistant to trainer Chris Block. “Shaun had him
into the bridle. Coming down the lane, Shaun and Giant Oak were going well.
When he came back, Shaun said he went well in hand. He has handled this track
really well since coming here.”
It was the second workout over the
Saratoga main track for the 5-year-old horse since arriving here nearly two
weeks ago.
*
* *
On Saturday, August 6, Kentucky
Derby winning jockey Jose Santos will be at Saratoga Race Course for a special
book signing.
Santos, who won more than 4,000
races including the 2003 Derby and Preakness aboard the popular gelding Funny
Cide, will be signing copies of the new book, “Above It All: The Turbulent Life
of Jose Santos,” written by Bill Heller.
The book can be purchased at the
signing for $30, with $10 from each purchase going to benefit the Permanently
Disabled Jockeys Fund. The signing will occur from noon – 3 p.m. underneath the
Saratoga Carousel in the grandstand.
*
* *
Tuesday, August 2, will be the first
of four “family reunions” for the Saratoga backstretch community, as a bus from
Aqueduct Racetrack and Belmont Park will bring family members to the Spa to
visit those who had to relocate upstate for the season. Sponsored by the New
York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and organized by the Racetrack
Chaplaincy of America’s New York division, the bus will leave at 9 a.m. and
return at 9 p.m., giving children and spouses the opportunity to spend the day
together as a family. Similar events will take place three more times during
the meet.