Giant Oak, I Want Revenge work at Gulfstream Park

Giant Oak, working for the time since upsetting the Grade 1 Donn Handicap on Feb. 5, breezed an easy half-mile in 48.48 seconds shortly after the second renovation break here Saturday. Giant Oak posted splits of 11.94, 23.40 and 35.91 before galloping out five-eighths in 1:03 over the fast track.

Trainer Chris Block has already said he intends to pass the $10 million Dubai World Cup with Giant Oak, who also won the Grade 1 Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs in his 2010 finale. Block said the Oaklawn Handicap could be the next stop for Giant Oak with the Grade 1 Stephen Foster at Churchill on June 18 his next major goal at the present time.

Trainer Rick Dutrow has already announced his intention to run I Want Revenge in the World Cup should he receive an invitation to the race. I Want Revenge, who finished a game fourth, less than three lengths behind Giant Oak in the Donn, breezed an easy five-eighths under exercise rider Michelle Nevin in 1:01.40 earlier Saturday morning.

Another notable name on Saturday’s work tab was trainer Anthony Pecoraro’s promising 3-year-old I’m Steppin’ It Up who has not started since finishing a distant third behind Uncle Mo in the Grade 1 Champagne. I’m Steppin’ It Up drilled five-eighths in 59.60 with jockey Javier Castellano aboard.