Risen Star Stakes Saturday

 High quality racing picks up across the country. We look in on some great Stakes action down in NOLA.

Fair Grounds Racecourse Race 14 {Risen Star Stakes~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A smashing full field will load for Kentucky Derby points in this annual prep stakes.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

In this annual renewal on the road to the Derby we have a great crop of horses. All but two will be stretching out to this distance. Only five have raced over the Fair Grounds track. There is a good amount of speed to keep this one fast. All have been well prepped in search of Derby points. Speed figs are fairly close. It should be an excellent race as most of the top-flight trainers bringing there charges to the battle.

#4 Sierra Leone (Gaffalione / C. Brown) comes in off a modest layoff making his first start of the year. He should track and close into the pace. He holds the highest last out speed number coming at this very distance. This guy has put in four superb workouts in preparation. A son of Gun Runner, he has hit the board in both of his career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#11 Track Phantom (Rosario / Asmussen) will be the speed of the race looking to control the pace. He will be seeking his fourth win in a row while stretching out to this distance. Two sound peaking workouts will fuel his trip. This colt holds the only triple digit speed fig in the field. A son of Quality Road, he is 100% in the money from five starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#3 Honor Marie (Bejarano / Beckman) holds the second highest last out speed number and three dynamite workouts. This colt should close gallantly. He will stretch out and try the Fair Grounds track for the first time. A son of Honor Code, he is 100% in the money from three starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#8 Catching Freedom (L. Saez / B. Cox) holds the fiourth highest last out speed number and four strong workouts. Son of Constitution holds a win race of 66%.

#10 Resilience (J. Velazquez / Mott) will track the pace closely. He has improved his speed figs in each of his four starts. Son of Into Mischief, is 75% in the money.

#6 Real Men Violin (B. Hernandez / McPeek) shares the fourth highest last out speed number and has four powerful peaking workouts. Son of Mendelssohn, is 100% itm from six starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#4 Sierra Leone  //  #11 Track Phantom,  #3 Honor Marie,  #8 Catching Freedom,  #10 Resilience,  #6 Real Men Violin.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#11,  #3,  #8,  #10,  #6  //  #4 Sierra Leone.

Best of luck with all your Stakes Saturday wagers!!