Tiny Giant looks fit for comeback in Journal Handicap

Tiny Giant, the Alberta-bred Horse of the Year and champion sprinter, will make his 2015 debut Monday in the $50,000 Journal Handicap at Northlands Park. The six-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up drew nine horses and is easily the best race Northlands has showcased at the current meet.

Trained by Joan Petrowski, Tiny Giant closed out 2014 with three straight wins, including the $56,000 Sun Sprint Championship and the $48,000 Red Dial Express for Alberta-breds.

They were his first stakes wins since he won the Alberta Premiers as a 2-year-old in 2009. He has been consistent throughout his career, however, compiling an 11-11-3 record from 36 starts for earnings of $307,222.

Petrowski, who bred Tiny Giant, is happy with how he is coming up to his first start as an 8-year-old.

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“You never know how they are going to run in their first start of the year, but he has been training very well,” she said.

He certainly has. Beginning April 7, Tiny Giant has fired bullets in five of his six workouts. His five-furlong move in 58.80 seconds April 25 was exceptional.

With most of the speed drawn outside, he should get a nice trip from a stalking position after leaving from the rail with Tony Maragh aboard for the first time.

Omar has been installed as the 5-2 morning-line favorite but could be vulnerable breaking from the outside post.

Trained by Robertino Diodoro, Omar won sprint stakes at Turf Paradise and Sunland Park last year and is coming off a front-running win in a $40,000 claiming race at Turf Paradise on April 1.

With a plethora of speed drawn inside of him, Omar could get hung out to dry going into the first turn, however.

Journal Handicap, race 7

KEY CONTENDERS

Tiny Giant (Last 3 Beyers: 82-85-78)

◗ He likes to win races, has been training like a bear, and should get a cozy trip after leaving from the inside post.

Killin Me Smalls (Last 3 Beyers: 87-75-80)

◗ The versatile 5-year-old stakes winner romped in his seasonal debut in an optional $35,000 claiming race.

◗ Adding to his appeal is trainer Ernie Keller, who is on fire at the meet.

Omar (Last 3 Beyers: 78-73-92)

◗ He has won four races, two stakes, since Diodoro claimed him for $20,000 at Del Mar last July.

◗ He has the kind of speed that does well on a bullring, but he drew a tough post and will need a perfect ride by Scott Williams to beat a pretty salty bunch of sprinters.