Giant Finish, a son of incoming Yarradale Stud shuttler Frost Giant, has claimed the 20th and final spot for this Saturday’s G1 Kentucky Derby (2000m).

Giant Finish (3c Frost Giant – Apocalyptic by Hickman Creek) will arrive at Churchill Downs on Thursday morning.  Under the new qualifying system for the $2 million classic, he earned enough points to relegate Fear the Kitten to first emergency.

The New York based colt has raced five times for two wins at Aqueduct and minor placings in the LR John Battaglia Memorial and G3 Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park.

Owner-breeder Andrew Cohen, who also part-owned 2008 Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, decided to join the Run for the Roses after initially setting Giant Finish for the G1 Belmont Stakes.  “He’s by Frost Giant and they have a little special something,” Cohen said.  “They’re very competitive.  They don’t quit.  He’s improved each race.  I know we’re going to be one of the long-shots, but it’s horse racing.”

In his last gallop before heading to Churchill Downs, trainer Tony Dutrow sent Giant Finish over 800m in 49.40s.

Giant Finish is the fourth winner from Apocalyptic, a daughter of Seattle Slew sire Hickman Creek.  Seattle Slew also appears in Frost Giant’s pedigree.  The 1977 Triple Crown champion is the sire of his second dam Oscillate.

Yarradale Stud owner Ron Sayers has placed a $9,900 (inc gst) service fee on Frost Giant for his first southern season in 2013.  A Group 1 winning son of Giant’s Causeway, he was Champion freshman sire in New York State last year with 12 individual winners from 15 starters.

Apart from Giant Finish, he also sired Listed Beru Stakes winner Kelli Got Frosty who was named New York’s Champion 2YO Filly for 2012.

Class colt West Hills Giant was also on course for the Kentucky Derby after winning the G3 Gotham Stakes but left the Triple Crown trail after an unplaced effort behind Kentucky Derby favourite Verrazano in the G1 Wood Memorial on April 6

– Karl Patterson