Giant Oak Uncorks Whitney Bullet

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.

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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.

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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.