Giant's Tomb Wins Turf Feature

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.