The competitive action on the Road to the Kentucky Derby continues this weekend with a notable prep race being staged at Fair Grounds. The Risen Star Stakes has seen a number of former Triple Crown runners involved, and it could be a market-moving race with the Derby in mind this weekend.
Before Betting On Risen Star Stakes
The Risen Star Stakes has been staged since 1973, and it has been a key Derby prep throughout history. There is yet to be a winner of the Grade Two to follow up with victory at Churchill Downs, but two previous losers in the Risen Star have gone on to land victory in the Run for the Roses. The most recent to achieve the feat was Country House.
A fascinating renewal of the race this weekend will see Track Phantom return to action for Steven Asmussen. Victory for the three-year-old this weekend will likely see him become the Derby favorite. This runner was excellent on his first start this season, breezing clear of the field over 1 1/16 miles to land the G3 Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds with a 96 speed figure.
However, Asmussen has two leading chances this weekend, with Hall of Fame also of interest. This runner clocked a higher speed figure than the current favorite on his previous start over 1 1/16 miles, but this will be his first effort in graded company.
Sierra Leone also makes a very compelling angle this weekend for trainer Chad Brown. The three-year-old beat a re-appearing rival on his previous start when finishing second in the G2 Remsen Stakes. It could be argued that more improvement is likely this weekend in conditions that will suit the Brown runner.
Risen Star Stakes Offshore Odds & Pick
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Track Phantom | 3.75 |
| Sierra Leone | 4.00 |
| Hall of Fame | 4.75 |
| Honor Marie | 8.00 |
| Catching Freedom | 9.00 |
| Resilience | 13.00 |
| Real Men Violin | 15.00 |
| Other Selections | 26.00 & Bigger |
This should be a compelling renewal of the race this weekend. Track Phantom looks to be the Derby contender to take out of the race, but the most interesting win angle could be Sierra Leone, who boasts experience over this distance. Real Men Violin is an interesting angle to complete the trifecta.
