Photo: CDI
Sam-Son Farms’ Giant’s Tomb,
away from competition since a fourth-place finish in the Grade I Queen’s Plate
last summer at Woodbine, made his 2011 debut a successful one Sunday at
Fair Grounds when winning the $53,000 allowance optional
claiming feature over the Stall-Wilson turf course by a nose.
Trained by
Mark Frostad, Giant’s Tomb was ridden by
Corey Lanerie, who guided
the son of Awesome Again between rivals to get the lead in the last
strides. The winner negotiated the about 1 1/16-mile distance over the
grass course rated good in 1:46.48, increased
his career earnings to $231,293 with his third win in 12 lifetime
starts and returned mutuels of $13.20, $6.60 and $3.80.
Hugh Robertson’s
Grizzled Robert, also
without speed, rallied strongly to gain the place, paying $6.40 and
$4.40 while a half-length in front of Blu Shu Stables’
Mountain Justice, who returned $4.40.
Lucas Downs’
King Mesa recorded early splits of 25.24 and 50.89 before giving way at the head of the lane.