As the racing world gears up for another thrilling Saturday, Fair Grounds Race Course is set to host its second derby preparation event of the season—the Risen Star Stakes. This prestigious day includes six stakes races, four of which are graded, culminating in an all-stakes Pick 5 with a substantial pool. Meanwhile, Gulfstream Park's Pick 6 promises to be even more lucrative, with a mandatory payout and an expected pool exceeding $5 million. The Risen Star race features several promising contenders, including East Avenue, who seeks redemption after a disappointing Breeders' Cup Juvenile performance, and Built, who narrowly missed victory in the Lecomte Stakes. Other notable entries include American Promise, Vassimo, and Taking Candy, each bringing unique strengths to the competition.

The Risen Star Stakes on Saturday at Fair Grounds Race Course promises to be a pivotal moment in the derby prep season. Among the most anticipated runners is East Avenue, who stumbled at the start of his last major race but previously showed remarkable form. His return to the track is highly anticipated, especially given his prior impressive performances. Another horse to watch is Built, who finished second in the Lecomte Stakes and could benefit from a better starting position this time around. Additionally, American Promise, despite a recent setback, looks poised for a comeback with a favorable draw, while Vassimo, under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, aims to continue his undefeated streak.

Beyond the Risen Star Stakes, other races on the card also offer compelling narratives. In Race #12, Taking Candy, trained by Cherie DeVaux, has shown significant improvement and could be a strong contender. His versatility in leading or stalking positions makes him a versatile choice. Unit Economics, known for stepping up in graded stakes, and What Say Thee, who has developed a solid partnership with jockey Luis Saez, add further depth to the field. Relampago Verde, though better suited to turf, might surprise on dirt as he returns to grass for this event.

While Fair Grounds offers a packed lineup, Gulfstream Park’s Pick 6 remains the highlight of the day. With a mandatory payout and a projected pool over $5 million, it presents a rare opportunity for bettors. Knightsbridge, running in the ninth race, is expected to dominate, making him a clear favorite. Meanwhile, the final race features a competitive field where one horse could emerge as a dark horse winner. Fair Grounds Race #13 and Race #8 also provide exciting betting opportunities, ensuring a day filled with anticipation and excitement for both spectators and bettors alike.