Friday, February 20, 2015

Risen Star Stakes - 2015

Risen Star Stakes
Date/Track: 2/21/2015, Fair Grounds Race Course
Post Time: 5:24 PM ET
Distance:  1 1/16 m (Dirt)

1 – St. Joe Bay
2 – Tiznow RJ
3 – Bluff
4 – J.S. Bach
5 – Imperia
6 – War Story
7 – Hero Of Humor
8 – Keen Ice
9 – Big Big Easy
10 – International Star

For #10 International Star, #7 Hero Of Humor#6 War Story and #2 Tiznow RJ this will be a rematch from the LeComte Stakes (See Video):



If you pay special attention to International Star you’ll see just what an impressive victory this was – he remains very patient and very disciplined while pinned up against the rail for most of the race.

And then when he is asked he fearlessly kicks it into another gear – shoots a small lane and finally takes over the race – this is the kind of seasoned ability I haven’t seen often in three year old horses. In fact for most horses this is making the most out of a difficult trip.

**An interesting side note to International Star is that he was sired by 2000 Kentucky Derby Champion Fusaichi Pegasus – the reason that is of interest is that breeders have had difficulty breeding Fusaichi Pegasus, so it’s a little rare to see one of his progeny.....maybe some old Prince Jams would help????

International Star has reminded me how much I enjoyed
Prince's International Lover and Baby I'm a Star!
The current favorite going into the Risen Star Stakes is #5 Imperia  who last raced 84 days ago and finished 2nd in the Jockey Club Stakes El Kabeir.

Last fall Imperia definitely looked like a promising contender – however this will be his first outing at the Fair Grounds, and I think that he will be at a disadvantage especially when facing several horses who have experience on this track.





#8 Keen Ice – was sired by one of my favorites Curlin – and I think he could surprise here….but I don’t think we’re talking winners circle. 

He had a horrible trip in the Holy Bull (finishing 6th behind Upstart and the Gang). He got out of the gates poorly and he went for the rail and then got cut off – forcing him to pull back and he never really recovered. If he gets out of the gates well and finds his stride he could mix things up here. At 8/1 he could work in an Exacta or Trifecta.

Strangely Sensitive Cheetah
will NOT enjoy the irony of being
Bluffed by a horse named Bluff,
if he wins!

#3 Bluff – is a Tapit horse and Tapit horses always concern me – but outside of the breeding, I just don't see enough on the resume to become a believer.

I see similar results to the LeComte:

Closing Speed likes:  International Star / War Story / Imperia


Betting a $1 Exacta – I like International Star / Imperia and Keen Ice for ($6).

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