NEW ORLEANS - The Grade 3 Risen Star here on Feb. 7 lost a little of its luster with the sale of Lecomte Stakes runner-up Patena to IEAH Stables this week. Patena will be leaving Josie Carroll's barn at the Fair Grounds for Rick Dutrow's barn at Gulfstream, where he will be pointed toward races in Florida. Patena closed strongly behind Friesan Fire Jan. 10 in the one-mile Lecomte, and the extra sixteenth of a mile of the Risen Star would likely have benefitted him. With Patena out, Friesan Fire will likely be an overwhelming favorite in the Risen Star. Carroll was philosophical about the departure of Patena, who is by Seeking the Gold and out of an A.P. Indy mare. "He's a really nice horse with all kinds of potential," said Carroll. "He's got a great pedigree, and is progressing steadily." The Risen Star is shaping up as a nine- or 10-horse race, and will include Giant Oak, who turned in a sharp six-furlong work Saturday at Fair Grounds. Trainer Chris Block has remained in Chicago for the winter, but traveled to New Orleans to direct Giant Oak's work on Saturday. Giant Oak and stablemate Brothers Nicholas worked in company, with Giant Oak covering the six furlongs in 1:14.20, with his last two furlongs in 24 seconds. "He works better in company, it makes him a bit more competitive," said Block. "The work was what we were hoping for, because the competition made him hunker down the last eighth of a mile." Giant Oak, an Illinois-bred son of Giant's Causeway, is coming off a second after a wide trip in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs on Nov. 29. He was sent to New Orleans and trainer Neil Pessin after that race, with Block coming to town to orchestrate his major works. Carroll has shot at Mineshaft