Four KY Derby prep races are set to race the remainder of this month. February 17th features the El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate and the Risen Star at Fair Grounds. The following day, 2/18, is the third of four races on the Japan Road to the KY Derby, the Hyacinth Stakes at Tokyo Racecourse. Finally, Monday, 2/19, is the Southwest at Oaklawn Park. So many races, so many points and so much talent will be seen over the next few days. Hold on tight for the wild ride!
The Risen Star is the first race of the KY Derby preps to offer 50 points to the winner. The first four finishes receive 50-20-10-5 points respectively. Game Winner holds the top of the leaderboard currently with only 30 points. Thus, one can see how very important this one race is to the future of the KY Derby. Oddly, no Risen Star winner has ever actually won the KY Derby. Inaugurated in 1973, this race is held annually at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, LA. In addition to being an important KY Derby prep, it is also the major prep to the next big bump up in points on the Road to the KY Derby, the Louisiana Derby. The Louisiana Derby offers 100-40-20-10 points. The Risen Star is a Grade II race of 1 and 1/16 miles ( 8.5 furlongs) on the dirt. This edition has 15 three year-old contenders. The purse is $400K and is the 12th race on a card of 12. The Risen Star will post at 7:02 P.M. ET, or 6:02 P.M. CT, live in Louisiana.
The field for the race is as follows by post/horse/jockey/trainer/owner/and morning-line odds:
- Plus Que Parfait/Julien R. Leparaoux/Brendan P. Walsh/Imperial Racing, LLC./10-1
- Roiland/James Graham/Thomas M. Amoss/James and Mary Durlacher/20-1
- Mr. Money/Gabriel Saez/W. Bret Calhoun/Allied Racing Stable, LLC./12-1
- Chase the Ghost/Mitchell Murrill/Dallas Stewart/Holy Cow Stable, LLC./30-1
- Henley’s Joy/Manuel Franco/Michael J. Maker/Bloom Racing Stable, LLC./10-1
- Hog Creek Hustle/Florent Geroux/Vickie L. Foley/Something Special Racing, LLC./8-1
- Manny Wah/Channing Hill/Wayne M. Catalano/Susan Moulton/12-1
- Owendale/Shaun Bridgmohan/Brad H. Cox/Rupp Racing/6-1
- Country House/Luis Saez/Wiliam I. Mott/Mrs. J.V. Shields, Jr., E.J.M. McFadden Jr. and LNJ Foxwoods/20-1
- Limonite/Brian Joseph Herndandez, Jr./Steven M. Asmussen/Winchell Thoroughbreds, LLC. and Willis Horton Racing, LLC./10-1
- Dunph/Jose L. Ortiz/Michael J. Maker/Three Diamonds Farm and Joseph Besecker/20-1
- Frolic More/Corey J. Lanerie/Dallas Stewart/Andrew Farm and Our Own Stable, LLC./10-1
- War of Will/Tyler Gaffalione/Mark E. Casse/Gary Barber/5-2
- Gun It/Ricardo Santana Jr./Steven M. Asmussen/Whisper Hill Farm, LLC. and Three Chimneys Farm/10-1
As for my thoughts, wow, what a large field! It already feels like trying to figure out a Triple Crown race except is way too early for anything but surprises from my point of view. Plus Que Parfait, Mr. Money, Hog Creek Hustle, Manny Wah, Dunph and Limonite have already hit the KY Derby leaderboard. War of Will is the favorite and seems to be on the top of the handicapper’s choices. However, Owendale, the second best on morning-line odds, isn’t as esteemed in handicapping. I have a special interest in Mr. Money! Shout out to his breeders at Spruce Lane Farm! I thank them for allowing me to post their foal photos. As for trainers, Asmussen, Maker and Stewart have all seen the winners circle for the Risen Star. So too have Graham, Geroux, Saez, Bridgmohan and Hernandez for the riders. There is plenty of opportunity in this race. I love following all of the young talent on their way to championship races. Keep checking right here at Thoroughbred U to see racing information and enjoy all things Thoroughbred.