A full field of 14, including Grade 3 winner Curley Jack and stakes winner Victory Formation, were entered for the $400,000 Risen Star (G2) Feb. 18, and on Saturday five of them breezed.
The 1 1/8-mile Risen Star is a Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifier, offering 50-20-15-10-5 points to the top five finishers.
Two workers from trainer Brad Cox's barn, Victory Formation and Tapit's Conquest, are entered in the Risen Star, along with Angel of Empire who did not breeze on Saturday. Both Victory Formation and Tapit's Conquest went five furlongs, though not together, and each stopped the clock at 1:00.40 (fourth fastest of 62 timed moves at the distance).
“Tapit's Conquest went in company with an unraced mate,” Fair Grounds clocker Frank McGoey said. “He pulled well clear late in a strong move.”
Determinedly went four furlongs for Mark Casse in :49, the 17th best of 86 at that distance.
Trainer Tom Amoss sent out Curly Jack to drill four furlongs, stopping the clock in :48.60 (11/86).
Single Ruler went five furlongs for trainer Keith Desormeaux in 1:01.80 (30/62).
The connections of Banishing chose the allowance race on the undercard, instead of the Risen Star. The Brendan Walsh-trainee caught McGoey's attention, as well.
“Banishing was visibly best in his work with St John's (unraced 3-year-old colt),” McGoey said. “Jockey Jareth Loveberry was up in a solid 1:01.40 through five furlongs and out in 1:13.60.”
The Louisiana Derby Preview Day showcases six stakes, including the $400,000 Risen Star; the $300,000 Rachel Alexandra (G2); the $250,000 Mineshaft Stakes (G3); the $150,000 Fair Grounds Stakes (G3); the $100,000 Colonel Power Stakes, and the $100,000 Albert M. Stall Memorial Stakes.
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