Steve Haskin goes over this weekend's Risen Star Stakes
DiscreetCat
Moderator
from Bloodhorse:
Saturdays Risen Star Stakes (gr. III) has something for everyone, with 13 horses entered, many of whom have a legitimate chance to make a big name for themselves on the Kentucky Derby trail.
Friesan Fire, winner of the LeComte Stakes (gr. III), and Kentucky Jockey Club (gr. II) runner-up Giant Oak likely will vie for favoritism, but there are plenty others to choose from who could score at a decent price.
Two horses compromised by the draw are Au Moon, third in the LeComte, who drew the outside post, and last years Futurity Stakes (gr. II) runner-up Flying Pegasus, who breaks just inside him in post 12. Flying Pegasus looks to have a great deal of ability, finishing well clear of Friesan Fire and just behind Charitable Man in the Futurity, but hasnt run in five months and will have to use his speed to get a decent position early. The same applies to Au Moon, an improving colt who also will have to show speed from the far outside. He set most of the pace in the LeComte, but tired a bit in the final furlong.
If you wish to toss the favorites in a 13-horse field and the two outside horses, that leaves several who could be live on the board.
There is a good possibility that Indygo Mountain, sixth in the LeComte after a hellish trip, will get played, based on his reputation and his 5-2 odds in the LeComte. Despite getting beat a dozen lengths, this son of A.P. Indy could very well bounce back with a huge effort if he gets a decent trip from the 2-post. Fans still will remember his scintillating victory in a mile maiden race at Churchill Downs, in which he drew off to win by 6 1/4 lengths in 1:35 2/5. That was one of the most impressive maiden scores seen last year, and judging by the manner in which he did it, he still could be a major player.
Hes had nothing but hard luck since, having an allowance race canceled due to a freak snowstorm in New Orleans, and then missing the same race again a week later with a bruised hoof. Breaking from the outside in the LeComte, he smashed hard into the side of gate, bobbled slightly, and dropped well out of it in last. He seemed lost after that and never put in a run. He has a tendency to cock his head to the outside turning for home, so hes still probably a bit green. It will be interesting to see how he recovers from that last race.
Uno Mas and Dumar from the Steve Asmussen barn both have showed they can run, but Uno Mas, who easily defeated Friesan Fire two races back, has to bounce back from a disappointing fourth in the LeComte, in which he showed little. If that was just an off day and he runs back to his two previous races, he will be dangerous. Dumar is consistent, has a good closing kick and a strong pedigree, but needs to get a bit faster. Asmussen also sends out recent maiden winner Soul Warrior for Zayat Stables.
Larry Jones sends out yet another talented 3-year-old in It Happened Again, who defeated some solid horses in the seven-furlong Triple Sec Stakes at Delta Downs, earning a 93 Beyer. Nick Zito makes a rare appearance at Fair Grounds with Nowhere to Hide, who just held on to break his maiden at Calder last out. In five starts, hes never been worse than fourth and has finished in the money in four straight.
Saturdays Risen Star Stakes (gr. III) has something for everyone, with 13 horses entered, many of whom have a legitimate chance to make a big name for themselves on the Kentucky Derby trail.
Friesan Fire, winner of the LeComte Stakes (gr. III), and Kentucky Jockey Club (gr. II) runner-up Giant Oak likely will vie for favoritism, but there are plenty others to choose from who could score at a decent price.
Two horses compromised by the draw are Au Moon, third in the LeComte, who drew the outside post, and last years Futurity Stakes (gr. II) runner-up Flying Pegasus, who breaks just inside him in post 12. Flying Pegasus looks to have a great deal of ability, finishing well clear of Friesan Fire and just behind Charitable Man in the Futurity, but hasnt run in five months and will have to use his speed to get a decent position early. The same applies to Au Moon, an improving colt who also will have to show speed from the far outside. He set most of the pace in the LeComte, but tired a bit in the final furlong.
If you wish to toss the favorites in a 13-horse field and the two outside horses, that leaves several who could be live on the board.
There is a good possibility that Indygo Mountain, sixth in the LeComte after a hellish trip, will get played, based on his reputation and his 5-2 odds in the LeComte. Despite getting beat a dozen lengths, this son of A.P. Indy could very well bounce back with a huge effort if he gets a decent trip from the 2-post. Fans still will remember his scintillating victory in a mile maiden race at Churchill Downs, in which he drew off to win by 6 1/4 lengths in 1:35 2/5. That was one of the most impressive maiden scores seen last year, and judging by the manner in which he did it, he still could be a major player.
Hes had nothing but hard luck since, having an allowance race canceled due to a freak snowstorm in New Orleans, and then missing the same race again a week later with a bruised hoof. Breaking from the outside in the LeComte, he smashed hard into the side of gate, bobbled slightly, and dropped well out of it in last. He seemed lost after that and never put in a run. He has a tendency to cock his head to the outside turning for home, so hes still probably a bit green. It will be interesting to see how he recovers from that last race.
Uno Mas and Dumar from the Steve Asmussen barn both have showed they can run, but Uno Mas, who easily defeated Friesan Fire two races back, has to bounce back from a disappointing fourth in the LeComte, in which he showed little. If that was just an off day and he runs back to his two previous races, he will be dangerous. Dumar is consistent, has a good closing kick and a strong pedigree, but needs to get a bit faster. Asmussen also sends out recent maiden winner Soul Warrior for Zayat Stables.
Larry Jones sends out yet another talented 3-year-old in It Happened Again, who defeated some solid horses in the seven-furlong Triple Sec Stakes at Delta Downs, earning a 93 Beyer. Nick Zito makes a rare appearance at Fair Grounds with Nowhere to Hide, who just held on to break his maiden at Calder last out. In five starts, hes never been worse than fourth and has finished in the money in four straight.
Comments
As you can see, Soul Warrior is getting a lot of respect in here....LOL