The son of Giant’s Causeway, trained by Eddie Kenneally, is the only Derby entrant to boast a graded stakes victory beneath the Twin Spires (following the late scratch of juvenile champ Uncle Mo), gamely prevailing in last November’s GII Kentucky Jockey Club S. (TDN Video). Sitting a stalking trip throughout in that one, Santiva took over at the head of affairs and showed plenty of character and determination while racing in tight quarters between rivals in the stretch to eke out a half-length victory, earning his diploma in the process.
Given the remainder of his juvenile season off, Santiva returned with a strong runner-up effort after a wide trip in the GII Risen Star S. Feb. 19 (TDN Video). Placed within striking distance, the bay looked like a winner after gaining a narrow lead in the Fair Grounds stretch, but couldn’t quite stay with Mucho Macho Man (Macho Uno) late, who already had the benefit of a prep race under his belt in Gulfstream’s GIII Holy Bull S. Jan. 30.
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If you can forgive Santiva for that troubled effort over the Polytrack and focus on his two previous starts on dirt, the Tom Walters colorbearer certainly looks like he belongs with this evenly-matched group. He has the pedigree to negotiate 10 furlongs, sports a favorable running style, drew kindly on the outside, and, at a very generous morning-line quote, the risk certainly seems to be worth the reward. Reuniting with jockey Shaun Bridgmohan, who was aboard during his Kentucky Jockey Club score, can't hurt either.
While it’s not much of a secret who my pick is for the GI Kentucky Oaks if you’ve been following the TDN Staff Blog at all, I'll be using a handful of others in addition to Joyful Victory (Tapit) in hopes of being alive with Santiva for a big payday in the Oaks/Derby double. Good luck everybody!
