The Grade 1 Risen Star Stakes, set to take place this Saturday, stands as a pivotal event in the journey toward the prestigious Kentucky Derby 2025. With a prize purse of $500,000, this race is the third of four key stops leading up to the Derby and offers significant qualifying points—50 for first place, 25 for second, 15 for third, 10 for fourth, and 5 for fifth. Thirteen three-year-old thoroughbreds have been entered in this 1⅛-mile contest, with seven already having earned Derby points. The race will be held at Fair Grounds, with post time scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST.
Key Horses and Their Backgrounds
In the heart of winter, the racing world turns its attention to New Orleans, where the stakes are high and the competition fierce. Among the contenders, Built, trained by Wayne Catalano, emerges as a top choice. This colt has already made a mark on the Derby trail, winning the Gun Runner Stakes by nearly seven lengths and narrowly missing victory in the Lecomte Stakes. Built's versatility, demonstrated by his ability to lead from the front or come from behind, makes him a formidable competitor.
Jonathan’s Way, under the guidance of Philp Bauer, also commands attention. He won the Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs, marking his debut on the Derby trail. Despite finishing seventh in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Jonathan’s Way showed promise with a strong finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. His preparation at Fair Grounds positions him well for this critical race.
Another contender, East Avenue, trained by Brendan Walsh, boasts an impressive start to his career, including an eight-length maiden win and a dominant victory in the Breeders’ Futurity. Although he stumbled badly in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, East Avenue remains a strong contender, especially with his proven front-running style.
Other notable entries include American Promise, trained by the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, who broke his maiden in December; Vassimo, an undefeated colt in two starts under Todd Pletcher; and Magnitude, who placed second in the Gun Runner Stakes but faces a challenging outside post position.
Historical Significance and Future Implications
The Risen Star Stakes has a rich history of producing champions. Recent winners like Sierra Leone, Angel of Empire, Epicenter, and Mandaloun went on to achieve remarkable success, including wins in the Kentucky Derby and other major races. This year's edition promises to be no different, with several horses showing the potential to become future stars.
From a journalist's perspective, the Risen Star Stakes serves as a critical indicator of which horses have what it takes to compete at the highest level. The race not only awards crucial Derby points but also provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each horse. For trainers and owners, this race offers a glimpse into their horse's readiness for the ultimate test in May. For fans, it’s an exciting preview of the talent that may shape the future of thoroughbred racing.