The **Fasig-Tipton Risen Star Stakes**, valued at $500,000 and scheduled for Saturday at Fair Grounds, represents a crucial contest on the route to the 152nd Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, being the initial event in Churchill Downs’ Championship Series. Entrants in the Risen Star will contend for a combined total of 105 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby on May 2, with points distributed among the top five finishers in a 50-25-15-10-5 split. This implies that the horse claiming victory in this race possesses a strong likelihood of securing one of the 17 starting positions in the Derby reserved for North America-based competitors.
The 54th running of the Risen Star this year attracted a competitive group of eight horses, including four participants who previously competed in Fair Grounds’ Lecomte Stakes on January 17, with Golden Tempo, the winner, among them. The race additionally features two horses returning from appearances in the Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct in New York on December 6, notably its victor, Paladin. This marks the third of four Derby qualifying points races at Fair Grounds, with the Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby set to follow on March 21.
The Risen Star serves as the headline event on a racecard at Fair Grounds that also includes five other stakes races. It will be aired live on FanDuel TV and is slated for a post time of 6:30 p.m. ET.
Continue reading for details on each of the Risen Star contenders, along with some expert handicapping insights.
1. Universe
Jockey: Christopher Elliott
Trainer: Ken McPeek
Owners: 4 G Racing, Gregg Day, Steven Crain, and Magdalena Racing
Career record: 5 starts – 1 win – 2 seconds – 1 third
Career earnings: $239,650
Top Equibase Speed Figure: 91
Kentucky Derby points: 13
Pedigree: Global Campaign – Equalityforall, by Quality Road
Color: Bay
Running style: Stalker/closer
Analysis: This male horse aims for a revitalized performance in the Risen Star, following a seventh-place finish out of eight participants in the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park on January 3, where he started as the 2.30-1 favorite. He commenced the 1 1/16-mile event as the last out of the gate and posed no real challenge, concluding 11 ¼ lengths behind Strategic Risk, the winner. Before this, Universe had shown commendable form in three sequential Derby preparatory races last autumn, securing third in the Champagne Stakes and subsequently second in both the Street Sense Stakes and the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. Under the guidance of Ken McPeek, the winning trainer of the 2024 Kentucky Derby, Universe has maintained consistent training since the Smarty Jones, and McPeek plans to add blinkers for his Risen Star appearance. Should Universe manage to elevate his speed ratings to his previous performance levels from late 2025, this colt could emerge as a significant contender. Nevertheless, it’s reasonable to question whether he has already reached his peak performance. The up-and-coming jockey Christopher Elliott is slated to pilot Universe, having previously ridden him in his initial two races, which included a maiden victory at Saratoga and a third-place finish in the Champagne. This will mark Elliott’s debut appearance at Fair Grounds.
New to racing? Let us explain…
Blinkers are eye coverings positioned on the outer side of a horse’s eyes before a competition. Available in various lengths, their purpose is to narrow the horse’s visual field, theoretically leading to enhanced performance by encouraging concentration on the path ahead rather than distractions to the rear. The removal of blinkers by a trainer often signifies a belief in the horse’s increasing maturity.
2. Golden Tempo
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Owners: Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable
Career record: 2 starts – 2 wins – 0 seconds – 0 thirds
Career earnings: $183,000
Top Equibase Speed Figure: 85
Kentucky Derby points: 20
Pedigree: Curlin – Carrumba, by Bernardini
Color: Bay
Running style: Closer
Analysis: This strong finisher boasts an unblemished record of two wins from two career starts, both achieved at Fair Grounds, and comes into the Risen Star fresh from victory in the track’s most recent Kentucky Derby points event, the Lecomte Stakes on January 17. In the 1 1/16-mile Lecomte, Golden Tempo ran ninth among ten contestants, trailing the front-runners by ten lengths, before initiating a powerful surge at the beginning of Fair Grounds’ extensive homestretch to triumph by three-quarters of a length over his stable companion, Mesquite. He had previously closed from the tenth position to secure victory in his career debut on December 20, a six-furlong sprint, thus clearly establishing his running pattern over just two races: he tends to remain far behind the initial pace and then unleash a powerful final sprint. Golden Tempo’s lineage is exceptionally well-suited for extending his distance to 1 1/8 miles in the Risen Star—he also possesses the breeding for the Kentucky Derby’s mile-and-a-quarter distance—and his usual rider, Jose Ortiz, presently holds the leading position in Fair Grounds’ seasonal rankings for both victories and prize money. Every indication suggests another impressive performance, though the arrival of Remsen Stakes winner Paladin from his winter training ground in Florida is expected to present a formidable challenge.
3. Carson Street
Jockey: Ben Curtis
Trainer: Brendan Walsh
Owners: Ike and Dawn Thrash
Career record: 5 starts – 1 win – 1 second – 3 thirds
Career earnings: $110,400
Top Equibase Speed Figure: 86
Kentucky Derby points: 6
Pedigree: Street Sense – Miz Kella, by Harlan’s Holiday
Color: Dark bay or brown
Running style: Press the pace
Analysis: Carson Street arrives at the Risen Star following a commendable third-place performance in the Lecomte Stakes, an event claimed by Golden Tempo. He challenged for the lead and briefly held it in the homestretch but ultimately faltered in the final stages, being overtaken by both the victor and the second-place finisher, Mesquite. This progeny of Street Sense, the 2007 Kentucky Derby winner, was considered an outsider at 15.10-1 odds in the Lecomte and might again secure a top-three position this Saturday with attractive odds. In his race preceding the Lecomte, he convincingly won a 1 1/16-mile maiden race at Fair Grounds, triumphing by 11 ¼ lengths on a muddy surface—and the weather prediction for February 14 in New Orleans includes rain. Ben Curtis, a skilled jockey known for setting the pace, rode Carson Street to his maiden victory and is booked to ride him in the Risen Star. Carson Street has maintained a consistent performance across his five career starts, and despite his Equibase Speed Figures stabilizing in the mid-80s, he warrants serious consideration.
4. Paladin
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Trainer: Chad Brown
Owners: Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Peter Brant, Brook Smith, and Summer Wind Equine
Career record: 2 starts – 2 wins – 0 seconds – 0 thirds
Career earnings: $184,250
Top Equibase Speed Figure: 96
Kentucky Derby points: 10
Pedigree: Gun Runner – Secret Sigh, by Tapit
Color: Chestnut
Running style: Stalker
Analysis: This impeccably bred young horse is already held in high esteem by numerous Kentucky Derby observers, and this attention is expected to grow as he transitions from his Florida winter quarters to Fair Grounds for his inaugural 3-year-old race in the Risen Star. Paladin distinguished himself as a top performer within the 2-year-old category in New York during the previous autumn. His first appearance was in a one-mile maiden race at Aqueduct on October 17; he initially placed second by a head behind Renegade after leading in the stretch, but was subsequently elevated to first due to Renegade’s disqualification for interference. Following that, Paladin extended his distance to two turns and 1 1/8 miles in the Remsen Stakes on December 6, where he boosted his Equibase Speed Figure by 13 points to 93, demonstrating both quality and endurance by besting a tenacious Renegade to win by two lengths. The previous Saturday, Renegade made his 3-year-old comeback and impressively triumphed in the Sam F. Davis Stakes, thereby validating Paladin’s prior performance. Should Paladin replicate Renegade’s level of improvement in his own sophomore debut, the remaining competitors in the Risen Star might find themselves vying for second place… however, absolute certainty is elusive in horse racing. Tyler Gaffalione is set to ride this Saturday, as Flavien Prat, who piloted Paladin in both of his 2025 races, has commitments to ride in Saudi Arabia.
5. Chip Honcho
Jockey: Luis Saez
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Owners: Leland Ackerley Racing, James Sherwood, Jode Shupe, and John Cilla
Career record: 4 starts – 2 wins – 1 second – 0 thirds
Career earnings: $160,475
Top Equibase Speed Figure: 87
Kentucky Derby points: 14
Pedigree: Connect – Miss My Rose, by Magician
Color: Dark bay or brown
Running style: Press the pace
Analysis: Chip Honcho claimed victory in the initial of Fair Grounds’ quartet of Kentucky Derby qualifying races on December 20, securing the 1 1/16-mile Gun Runner Stakes by three-quarters of a length, thereby concluding a successful two-year-old season. Subsequently, he participated in the Lecomte Stakes, aiming to conquer Fair Grounds’ second Derby preparatory event, where he performed creditably despite a sluggish start, ultimately finishing fourth, trailing Golden Tempo, Mesquite, and Carson Street. In general, this colt’s Equibase Speed Figures have plateaued, and he was unable to surpass his Gun Runner Stakes performance when confronted with stronger rivals. Furthermore, his genetic background implies that competing beyond 1 1/16 miles (as seen in both Fair Grounds prep races) might test the boundaries of his endurance. Expect Chip Honcho to play a role in the Risen Star’s initial pace dynamic, potentially vying for the lead alongside Courting and Carson Street. Luis Saez, an adept pace-setting jockey, will be riding him for the first time, and Chip Honcho will also race without his blinkers this Saturday. While this competitor has the potential to accumulate additional Kentucky Derby points by finishing in the top five, a victory in the Risen Star is considered an unlikely outcome.
6. Colt Forty Seven
Jockey: James Graham
Trainer: Keith Desormeaux
Owners: Blazing Saddles Racing Stables 2024
Career record: 8 starts – 2 wins – 1 second – 1 third
Career earnings: $87,670
Top Equibase Speed Figure: 75
Kentucky Derby points: 0
Pedigree: Bolt d’Oro – Getting Lucky, by Pioneerof the Nile
Color: Bay
Running style: Closer
Analysis: This seasoned competitor boasts the most career starts among the Risen Star entrants, with eight, and is likely to carry the longest odds in the field when the race begins. Colt Forty Seven was initially geared towards turf racing last autumn upon commencing his career, competing on grass in four of his initial five outings (his single dirt start was originally slated for turf but moved due to rain), securing one victory. In November, he achieved his maiden dirt win in a seven-furlong claiming event at Churchill Downs, making a strong late run to triumph by 4 ½ lengths, and subsequently placed fourth at the same track when extending to 1 1/16 miles. On January 17, Colt Forty Seven inaugurated his 3-year-old season at Fair Grounds in a 1 1/16-mile allowance-optional claiming race, exceeding expectations at 21.70-1 odds to secure second place, though 5 ½ lengths adrift of the favored Jackson Hole. His highest two Equibase Speed Figures were recorded in his most recent two performances on dirt and over two turns; however, these figures remain approximately 15-20 points lower than those achieved by the leading contenders in the Risen Star. Trainer Keith Desormeaux and jockey James Graham collaborated to win the 2013 Risen Star with the 135.20-1 outsider Ive Struck a Nerve, and they are aiming for a comparable unexpected victory this Saturday.
New to racing? Let us explain …
The act of claiming a racehorse involves a procedure where an authorized individual can acquire a horse competing in a specific race for a set price. Once a horse is claimed, its new proprietor gains ownership rights after the starting gate opens, even though the previous owner retains claim to any prize money won in that particular race. Consequently, by entering a horse in a claiming race, the owner acknowledges the possibility of the horse being purchased and changing ownership.
7. Courting
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owners: Whisper Hill Farm, Stonestreet Stables, and Windancer Farm
Career record: 3 starts – 1 win – 0 seconds – 0 thirds
Career earnings: $66,850
Top Equibase Speed Figure: 85
Kentucky Derby points: 2
Pedigree: Curlin – Cavorting, by Bernardini
Color: Chestnut
Running style: Stalker
Analysis: Exhibiting one of the most distinguished bloodlines among the prospective Kentucky Derby participants this year, Courting appears ready for a significant performance as he commences his 3-year-old season in the Risen Star. He competed three times as a 2-year-old last year, all in New York, securing fourth in his September debut over one mile, then comfortably winning his second outing by 2 ½ lengths at the identical distance in early November against only three rivals, before concluding fourth among 11 contestants in the 1 1/8-mile Remsen Stakes in December. Courting stumbled out of the gate and was subsequently jostled at the start of that two-turn Kentucky Derby qualifying race at Aqueduct, proceeding to run wide; however, he persevered and recovered some late ground, though never seriously challenging for a top-three spot. He will again encounter Remsen winner Paladin in the Risen Star, and to be competitive, he will need to elevate his 2025 speed figures by approximately 10 points. Nevertheless, if Courting can achieve a clean break, his previous races (especially his victory) indicate sufficient speed to pose a pace challenge in a Risen Star lineup primarily composed of stalkers and closers. It’s worth noting that this colt commanded an astounding $5 million as a yearling and boasts a pedigree rich in endurance, being a son of Hall of Famer Curlin and a full-brother to the acclaimed filly Clairiere. His customary jockey, John Velazquez, is making the trip to Fair Grounds for the ride, representing an additional advantage for this compelling prospect for an upset. He is also scheduled to wear blinkers for the Risen Star.
8. Quality Mischief
Jockey: Florent Geroux
Trainer: Brad Cox
Owners: West Paces Racing and Donegal Racing
Career record: 4 starts – 1 win – 0 seconds – 0 thirds
Career earnings: $30,360
Top Equibase Speed Figure: 86
Kentucky Derby points: 4
Pedigree: Into Mischief – Quality Way, by Quality Road
Color: Bay
Running style: Closer
Analysis: Similar to Chip Honcho, this competitor has participated in both previous Kentucky Derby points races at Fair Grounds, securing fourth place, one length behind that opponent in the Gun Runner Stakes, and then fifth, three lengths adrift of Golden Tempo in the Lecomte Stakes. Quality Mischief was an underdog with odds of 25.40-1 and 29-1 in those events, respectively, and is anticipated to have odds of 15-1 or greater once more in the Risen Star. He is a strong closing horse with a robust pedigree for endurance, expected to gain ground late on Saturday; while he has the potential to complete a trifecta or superfecta with another good showing, he would need a significant leap in capability to achieve an unexpected victory. Jockey Florent Geroux, who has recently focused his riding primarily in California, is making a comeback to Fair Grounds to pilot Quality Mischief for the first time; he has a history of accomplishment as one of trainer Brad Cox’s premier jockeys.
New to racing? Let us explain …
A trifecta or superfecta inclusion: This advises considering the horse for your wager if you are placing a trifecta (predicting the top three finishers) or superfecta (predicting the top four finishers) bet, utilizing this particular horse for the third and fourth positions, rather than for a win or second-place finish.
