Risen Star Stakes Picks —Betting Preview and Predictions (Feb 14)

Notable action on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is set for Fair Grounds on Feb 14, as the G2 Risen Star Stakes will be run over 1 1/8 miles. Interestingly, no winner of the Grade Two has won the Derby, but two winners at Churchill Downs have finished second or worse in the Fair Grounds prep. Find the odds and our Risen Star Stakes picks here.

Odds

Risen Star Stakes Recent Winners

Risen Star Stakes: Event Information

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Race Preview

Business on the Road to the Kentucky Derby steps up a gear this weekend, as the first race on the Championship Series of the schedule is staged. Some high-quality horses have landed victories in the Risen Star Stakes, including 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic hero Sierra Leone.

Paladin represents the same trainer, and the three-year-old looks to have a similar profile for Chad Brown. The three-year-old is unbeaten in two career starts, and was incredibly impressive when landing the G2 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct in December, scoring an Equibase rating of 96 in the process. Exciting Derby prospect.

Golden Tempo is likely the biggest threat to Paladin this weekend. Cherie DeVaux’s three-year-old was excellent last month at Fair Grounds when smoothly landing the G3 Lecomte Stakes by just under a length from Mesquite. Has race fitness on his side, and that could be an important factor worth considering.

Courting represents the respected Todd Pletcher yard this Saturday, and John Velazquez is booked to take the ride. The three-year-old son of Curlin has won once from three starts, and his pedigree makes him a fascinating contender on this step up in trip. Should be capable of getting back on track after a costly slow start in the Remsen on his way to a fourth-place finish.

Risen Star Stakes Picks

While Paladin may be worth following as the season progresses, the expensive Courting could be the angle. The $5 million purchase was a slow starter last time, but is fitted with first-time blinkers for the race at Fair Grounds this weekend.

The three-year-old is loaded with stamina in his pedigree, and this step up to 1 1/8 miles could be the key to unlocking his potential on track. At the odds, he’s the angle.