Expert prediction
Horse Racing Picks: Risen Star Stakes Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Feb 17)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Risen Star Stakes is staged at Fair Grounds on Saturday
- Track Phantom returns to action to showcase his Derby credentials
A fascinating stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby comes this weekend at Fair Grounds, as one of the biggest market moves this year returns to action. Track Phantom will be the horse to beat in the G2 Risen Star Stakes, but can the Steven Asmussen runner solidify his Derby claims?
Schedule and How To Watch
- When: Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 7:17 PM ET
- Where: Fair Grounds, Louisiana
- How To Watch: FanDuel TV
Risen Star Stakes Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Track Phantom | |
| Sierra Leone | |
| Hall of Fame | |
| Honor Marie | |
| Catching Freedom | |
| Resilience | |
| Real Men Violin | |
| Moonlight |
Race Preview
The Risen Star Stakes has been an important Kentucky Derby prep since it was first staged in 1973. A number of previous runners in the race have gone on to land Triple Crown glory, including both War Emblem and Country House, who were beaten in the Grade 2 at Fair Grounds before landing the prestigious race at Churchill Downs.
Steven Asmussen has two very likely contenders this weekend, including Track Phantom. The three-year-old will be the ride of Joel Rosario this weekend, as he looks to further his Derby claims after landing victory in the G3 Lecome Stakes over 1 1/16 miles at Fair Grounds earlier this year. However, Asmussen’s other leading contender, Hall of Fame, clocked a slightly quicker rating when winning over the same course and distance.
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Few of these runners boast experience over 1 1/8 miles, which could give Sierra Leone an advantage for trainer Chad Brown. This three-year-old ran a solid race when finishing second in the G2 Remsen, clocking a 99 speed figure on unfavourable conditions. Further improvement is likely in quicker conditions.
Honor Marie and Real Men Violin both bring graded form to the table this weekend, with the former winning the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club. However, the latter for trainer Kenneth McPeek could be a very lively outsider this weekend as his run on that day highlighted that further progression is likely over an increased trip.
Risen Star Stakes Prediction
Track Phantom will be the runner to beat this weekend, but the fact that this is his first effort over 1 1/8 miles could make him a vulnerable favorite. Therefore, the preference is for Sierra Leone, with Real Men Violin an interesting price angle to complete the trifecta box.
Free Picks:
- Win:
- Exacta Box: (4) Sierra Leone/ (6) Real Men Violin/ (11) Track Phantom
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