Risen Star Stakes Saturday Picks — February 18, 2023 | Risen Star Day at Fair Grounds

Horses and jockeys starting a race at Fair Grounds Race Course with starting gates open.

The best card of the day is down in Louisiana for the Risen Star Stakes and the Ductor loves his gumbo and stew. He will have plenty to eat tonight after he gets through with this track Let’s Ride

Race 9: 5½ Furlongs. (Turf) Colonel Power Stakes

#9 Even Sing (5/1) – The best turf sprinter in the field draws in after scratches and his morning line price should hold. This gelding has a thunderous late kick and has run well despite slow paces and bad rides in his last few starts. He gets a major rider upgrade to Prat today and the Ductor will trust that he can work out a trip. Mo baby Mo!

risen star stakes

Race 10: 1 1/16 Mile. G3 Mineshaft Stakes

#3 4/1 Tawny Port (4/1) – Making his first start as a 4-year-old, he’s the one that could throttle what looks like a competitive field on paper. He’s working well for the Cox barn, gets Lasix back on and faced much tougher last year. His Jim Dandy two back beats this group with ease. Cox says he wants longer leading up to race, but he can’t sneak one past the Ductor. Hopefully he doesn’t get killed at the windows and this morning line is close to accurate.

Race 13: 1 1/8Mile. G2 Risen Star Stakes

*Gullet Shot of the Day #12 Crupi (15/1) – This is an insanely difficult Risen Start Stakes to cap. You could make a case for any in here and the Ductor wouldn’t fight you. Lesser cappers shy away from these type races, but that’s why they buy a ticket and sit while the Ductor drives. The Ductor is taking a shot with a maiden in this race. This colt broke incredibly slow of the layoff last time and  moved thru the field with ease. Then he was in a gutter war down the stretch and never threw in the towel. He ran the fastest brisnet figure this field has and a strong late pace figure. He’s going to relish the added distance and the Ductor will gamble he can work out a decent trip from the outside post.

Risen Star Stakes Day Pick 5 Preview at Fair Grounds

Horses racing at a track with a grandstand in the background filled with spectators.

The Conductor loves this Risen Star Day sequence. Let’s Ride.

Risen Star

Race 9: 1 1/16 Mile. G3 Mineshaft Stakes

The Conductor is going to get bold right off the bat and TOSS the favorite #4 Sliver Dust (5/2) in leg 1. Can he win? Absolutely, but he’s nothing special and the Conductor wasn’t impressed with the Louisiana Stakes last time. He’s going to have to deal with a hotter pace than he’s seen in his last few starts as well.

The Conductor sees #6 Hofburg (4/1) as a standout in here and will press him on most tickets. The layoff and running style are the only things not making him a stone cold single.

#1 Mocito Rojo (8/1), #2 Sleepy Eyes Todd (10/1), #10 Cutting Humor (8/1) and #11 Pirate’s Punch (10/1) are all prices the Conductor will be using in here as well.

Race 10: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) G3 Fair Grounds Stakes

There is going to be a very hot pace in this one and the closers will have an advantage. #2 Synchrony (3/1) and #5 Dontblamerocket (9/2) are the most logical winners but can’t be completely trusted.

#6 Classic Covey (6/1), #9 Captivating Moon (10/1), and #12 Midnight Tea Time (12/1) are others that the Conductor likes and the will get great setups.

Race 11: 1 1/16 Mile. F.G2 Rachel Alexandra Stakes

The Conductor much prefers #6 British Idiom (8/5) to #7 Finite (2/1) and he will TOSS the #7. The Conductor will also use #3 Swiss Skydiver (8/1). His debut win was very strong and he should improve 2nd off the layoff.

Race 12: 1 1/8 Mile. G2 Risen Star Stakes Division 1

The Conductor’s Div 1 Risen Star Stakes Preview

Use: #2, #5, #11

Race 13: 1 1/8 Mile. G2 Risen Star Stakes Division 2

The Conductor’s Div 2 Risen Star Stakes Preview

Use: #8

Backups: #7, #10, #11

Risen Star

The Conductor’s Div 1 Risen Star Stakes Preview

Two horses racing closely with jockeys in colorful silks during a horse race.

Its getting to that time of year, the first Saturday in May is going to be here faster than Conductor downing a tall glass of stew. The first major prep races are Saturday and the fields are drawn for the two divisions of the Risen Star Stakes. Last years races proved to be very key to the triple crown races. What will this year’s results bring? There are no certainties other than a lot of money going into the Conductor’s pocket. Let’s Ride.

Race 12: 1 1/8 Mile. G2 Risen Star Stakes Division 1

#1 Digital (6/1) – He had a very favorable trip last time up close to a very slow pace and couldn’t get the job done. He’s not for the Conductor.

*#2 Silver Slate (4/1) – The running styles in this race are very intriguing. You have a group that have only won gate to wire and many deep closers. The ones that can lay close to the pace and get first run will have the advantage and this boy looks like he’ll get the trip. He had trouble at the break last time and rallied for a strong 2nd in the G3 Lacomte stakes. His early pace figures sprinting show that he has enough tactical speed to be in a much for favorable position early.

#3 Ready to Roll (20/1) – His maiden win was a slow-paced gate to wire victory in the slop. Pass

#4 Perfect Revenge (20/1) – He has the most experience in the field and his last two efforts on dirt have been much improved. Another step forward and he could hit the board at a massive number.

#5 Moon Over Miami (10/1) – This colt’s maiden breaker was impressive, and he had a brutal trip last time. The Conductor won’t talk you off him.

#6 Sashaahakemeup (20/1) – No excuses last time, no chance.

#7 Blackberry Wine (5/1)

5/1 on a gate when he’s only proven he can win on the front end of slow paces? Suckers bet.

#8 Enforceable (7/2) – This colt is the class of the field, but do you really want a favorite that will be coming from dead last? He’s not for the Conductor.

#9 Mr Monomoy (6/1) – He should have done more with his trip in the Lecomte.

#10 Farmington Road (8/1) – He looks to get a favorable trip, but this may be asking a little too much. His win last start bodes well for #5 Moon Over Miami (10/1).

#11 Scabbard (12/1) – There is no chance this colt will go off at those odds. He’s another deep closer and will drop way back from the 12 post. That said, he has talent and upside 2nd off the layoff. If somehow he doesn’t take money at the windows the Conductor will include as a backup.

Risen star stakes

The Conductor’s Louisiana Derby Day Plays at Fair Grounds

Three women wearing colorful and decorative hats, expressing excitement at an outdoor event.

Enormous Louisiana Derby day. Let’s Ride.

Race 1: 6 Furlongs. S.Mdn 50k

#8 Malasong (8/1) – This colt took money in his debut and was hung wide. He adds blinkers today and has top connections.

Race 2: 1m70yds. F.S.75K Crescent City Oaks

#3 D’wildcat Indian (8/1) – Steadily progressing and stretching out for the 1st time, the Conductor sees her being better going longer.

Race 3: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) F.S.75K New Orleans Ladies Stakes

#7 La Sola Ranger (8/1) – 2nd off the layoff, this mare ran a thunderous late pace figure closing into a slow pace last start.  This race should heat up on the lead and the Conductor will key her in the tri.

Race 4: 6 Furlongs. S.OC 20000n2x

#2 Big Bella Brown (9/2) – Pressing a hot pace last start, he’ll get first run at the leader. Jose Ortiz hops aboard as well.

Race 5: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.Mdn 50k

#1 Curriusly (20/1) – Getting back to her preferred turf surface, she’s run some very strong late pace figures.  She should get a good trip, saving ground and a getting a hot pace to run at.  The Conductor will key her in the trifecta at a bomb.

Race 6: 1 1/16 Mile. S.75K Crescent City Derby

*Never a Doubt Vegas Bailout Lock of the Day #2 Shang (9/5) – He is going to eviscerate this field.  Absolute standout.

Louisiana Derby

 Race 7: 1 Mile. (Turf) Mdn 50k

#4 Rock On Kitten (9/2) – 2nd off the layoff today, he ran by far the best last race in this field pressing a hot pace and just missing.

Race 8: 1 1/16 Mile. Mdn 50k

#3 Copper King (5/1) – He had a brutal trip in his debut and still closed for a good 2nd into a slow pace.  The Conductor loves that he has experience going this distance as well.

Race 9: 5½ Furlongs. (Turf) S. 60K Costa Rising Stakes

#6 Fame Feather (12/1) – This filly is 4/5 with one 2nd on the Fair Grounds turf course going this distance.  The Conductor will use her in both the horizontal and vertical wagers.

Race 10: 1 1/8 Mile. G2 New Orleans H.

#10 Copper Bullet (4/1) – The Conductor loved her 2nd last time off a layoff in the G3 Razor Back last time and Rated R Superstar came back to win his next race who finished 3rd.  He’ll get a perfect stalking trip just behind the early leaders.

Race 11: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) G2 Muniz Memorial H.

#7 Bricks and Mortar (2/1) – The Conductor saw his Pegasus Cup win with his own eyes.  He’s a stud.

Race 12: 1 1/16 Mile. F.G2 Twinspires.com Fair Grounds Oaks

#6 Eres Tu (6/1) – There is a ton of speed signed on in this race and this filly has the best late kick.  With a setup, she’ll have every chance.

Race 13: 1 1/8 Mile. G2 Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby

*Gullet Shot of the Day #4 Sueno (8/1) – This colt is steadily progressing and will like the additional 1/16 of a mile today. The Southwest and Sham Stakes have come back strong and he’ll get a perfect trip sitting just off the #6 War of Will (6/5), who will hopefully be pressured by #10 Spinoff (8/1).

Louisiana Derby

Force Feed Friday: The Conductor’s Plays at Fair Grounds

Horses and jockeys starting a race at Fair Grounds Race Course with starting gates open.

Vegas is kicking the Conductor’s ass. Fair Grounds time, Let’s Ride,

Race 1: 6 Furlongs. OC 50000n1x

#4 Distant Shore (5/2) – The Conductor really liked her race two back in the Street Sense Stakes. He’s hammering her to start the Fair Grounds day if he can get 2/1.

Race 2: 1m70yds. F.S.Clm 5000

#4 Compromising (5/1) – The Conductor never compromises.

Race 3: 6 Furlongs. Clm 25000

#1 Rule Taylor Rule (5/1) – He’s rounding into form and the Conductor sees him taking a step forward today.

Race 4: 1 Mile. S.Clm 12500b

#4 Point the Way (6/1) – 2nd off the layoff, she’ll stretch out to a route for the 1st time.  Her running style suggests she’ll be better longer.

Race 5: 5½ Furlongs. (Turf) Clm 20000b

#5 Uncle Youdge (8/5) – This gelding can scoot.

Race 6: 1 Mile. S.MC 15000

#9 Brahms’ Regal (6/5) – Chalk

Race 7: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.OClm 10000

*Gullet Shot of the Day #3 Catty Krys (20/1) – This mare ran well at this level on dirt last start.  She’s won on the turf before and is in good form.

Fair Grounds

Race 8: 1m70yds. S.Alw 47000n3L

#5 Tensas Talk (6/1) – He won nicely last start and hasn’t missed the board in 7 career starts.  You can rely on him.

Race 9: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) F.MC 30000

#12 Tupelo Hon E (9/2) – 2nd off the layoff, dropping to the claiming ranks for the 1st time, she’ll kick by them down the lane.

Race 10: 5½ Furlongs. F.S.MC 12500

*Never a Doubt Friday Night in Vegas Lock of the Day #6 Deal Fever (7/2) – She took money at the windows against miles tougher in her debut and had a tough trip.  She’s more than likely.

Fair Grounds

Throat Shot Thursday: The Conductor’s Plays at Fair Grounds

A group of racehorses competing on a grassy racetrack with jockeys in colorful uniforms.

College basketball and ponies from dawn until dusk. Fair Grounds time, Let’s Ride.

Race 1: 1m70yds. F.S.Clm 5000b

#6 Born to D’ Wild (10/1) – Stretching back out to a route, she’s done her best running going longer. The Conductor will key her in the exacta.

Race 2: 5½ Furlongs. (Turf) Clm 20000n3L

#3 Irritator (3/1) – He switches back to grass, where he’s run his best.  He also has the best early pace figures in the field.

Race 3: 6 Furlongs. Clm 15000b

#4 B W P Express (4/1) – This colt will get the early lead. Moreover, none of these runners like to pass horses.

Race 4: 5½ Furlongs. S.Clm 5000b

*Never a Doubt NCAA Tip Off Lock of the Day #7 Snapper Bite (7/5) – A standout that loves to win. Bite!

Race 5: 6 Furlongs. S.Clm 5000n3L

#2 Lookingforroses (5/1) – 2nd off the layoff and also getting a weight break, she’ll take them all the way around.

Race 6: 7½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.S.OC 20000n2x

*Gullet Shot of the Day #7 Starmaline (9/2) – She was bumped at the break, set a hot pace and was only beaten 2 ¾ lengths.  The Conductor loves her.

Fair Grounds

Race 7: 5 1/2 Furlongs. Mdn 43k

#6 U Never Know (8/1) – The Conductor always knows.

Race 8: 5 1/2 Furlongs.  (Turf) OC 35000n4L

#7 Calamity Jane (7/2) – She’s been facing much tougher and is drawn well to the outside.

Race 9: 5 1/2 Furlongs. S.Alw 45000n2L

#9 Buckets (8/1) – Nothin but net.

Race 10: 1 Mile (Turf) MC 300000

#4 Jemography (7/2) – He stepped up in a big way last start. Another step forward and he’ll obviously win for fun.

Race 11: 6 Furlongs. S.Clm 50000

#6 Born Again George (7/2) – 11 race cards at Fair Grounds on a Thursday are a little much.

Wind Pipe Whack Wednesday at the Fair Grounds

Horses racing on a dirt track with a large grandstand in the background filled with spectators.

The train arrives in Vegas tonight. The Conductor will be playing the Fair Grounds all week leading up to the Louisiana Derby.  He will also sweep the NCAA tournament and win billion dollars.  Going to be a hell of a weekend.  Love to see a quick billion business trip. Let’s Ride.

Race 1: 5 ½ Furlongs. S.F. Clm 5000n4L

#5 Dale’s Lil Sis (5/2) – She’s the one to beat.

Race 2: 5½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.MC 30000

#4 Touch of Gray (9/2) – She has good early speed and dropping back to the claiming ranks. Trainer Tim Glyshaw is 10% with a +$0.74 ROI switching runners from dirt to turf.

Race 3: 1 Mile. S. Clm 5000n4L

#6 Weidenbachers Gent (15/1) – He has a chance to scamper away in the early lead.  That’s good enough for the Conductor at a bomb.

Race 4: 5 ½ Furlongs. (Turf) S. OC 30000n1x

#7 Boston Bind (6/1) – His figures fit for this level.

Race 5: 1m70yds. F.MC 30000

*Gullet Shot of the Day #1 Analyze This Cat (8/1) – 3rd off the layoff and going two sprints to a route, the Conductor sees her improving on the stretch out.

Fair Grounds

Race 6: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.Clm 30000b

*Never a Doubt Nonstop Flight to Vegas Lock of the Day #1 Divine Quality (5/2) – She towers over this group.  She’ll win handily.

Fair Grounds

Race 7: 1m70yds. OC 17500n1x

#6 California Swing (4/1) – He’s in good form and should get a perfect trip with a contested pace to close into.

Race 8: 5 ½ Furlongs. (Turf) OC 30000n1x

#10 Jake the Band Man (6/1) – He’s quick and should be able to clear from the outside.  He has a major shot.

Race 9: 5½ Furlongs. S.MC 12500

#5 Behinda Angel (15/1) – He broke last in his Fair Grounds debut and ran decent to get 4th.  With a clean break he can take a big step forward and surprise at a monster number.

Wind Pipe Whack Wednesday at Fair Grounds

Horses racing on a track with a grandstand and sunset in the background.

Lock and gullet shot winner along with a few 2nds made it a slightly positive Tuesday for the Conductor.  Now he gets to take little mid-week trip down to the Fair Grounds. The Conductor likes the card today, Let’s Ride.

Race 1: 6 Furlongs. F.S.Clm 12500n3L

#5 Bellas Run (6/1) – She needed her last race after a long layoff and still ran ok against tougher.  Dropping in class for solid connections, she’ll be more fit today and can beat this group.

Race 2: 7½ Furlongs. (Turf) Clm 15000b

#3 Shakes Creek (7/2) – Taking a massive class drop for top trainer Brad Cox, his race two starts back at the Fair Grounds crushes this field.

Race 3: 6 Furlongs. F.MC 12500

*Never a Doubt Hump Day Lock #8 Captain Livi (3/1) – 2nd off the layoff she’s shown strong early pace figures against miles tougher.  She’s a cinch.

fair grounds

Race 4: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) MC 30000

#9 Federal Dominance (6/1) – 1st time gelding and dropping to the claiming ranks for the 1st time, over 4/1 and the Conductor will be happy.

Race 5: 1 Mile. Clm 5000n3L

#8 Opportunity Cost (12/1) – He was very rank in his last start and the Conductor will ignore it.  Switching back to dirt and working well, he has the back class to surprise this field at a big number.

Race 6: 5½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.Mdn 40k

#2 Sail On (3/1) – This 475k filly is working like she’s the goods.

Race 7: 1 Mile. Clm 5000b

#1 Felipe (8/1) – Going two sprints to a route, he’s drawn well to the inside and his best races were going longer.  He hasn’t faced this weak of competition in his career.

Race 8: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) OC 50000n1x

#3 Moon Launch (6/1) – He moved up in a big way last start in his first try on the lawn.  A repeat effort will give him every chance and he’ll be able to get the early lead again today.

Race 9: 6 Furlongs. S.Clm 5000b

*Gullet Shot of the Day #2 Sean (8/1) – Close to a hot pace last start going longer, the Conductor loves the cutback to a sprint for him today.

fair grounds

Fair Grounds: Trachea Kick Tuesday

Horses racing on a grassy track with spectators in the background at a racecourse.

A 7/2 winner and a couple of decent prices running 2nd wasn’t terrible, but not a great Monday for the Conductor.  The train will tack on plenty of miles this week with Fairgrounds running on Tuesday.  Somebody has to pay for coal, the train doesn’t fuel itself.  Let’s give the Fair Grounds a boot right to the teeth, Let’s Ride.

Race 1: 7 ½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.MC 30000

#3 Simple Pleasure (5/1) – Going two sprints to a route, she’ll try the grass for the first time for top connections.  She has upside, while the rest are proven losers.

Race 2: 6 Furlongs. S.MC 12500

#8 Don’t Tell Stacy (9/2) –

Race 3: 1m70yds. F.OC 50000n1x

#5 Furiously Fast (3/1) – 2nd off the layoff and stretching out for the first time, her pace figures suggest she’ll like the added distance.  She’ll get a good trip on a slow pace.

Race 4: 5 ½ Furlongs. (Turf) S.OC 35000b

*Never a Doubt Jet Blue #4 Flashy Brew (5/2) – The switch to turf should not be an issue, she’s been dominant in her last two races. The Conductor needs to buy a plane ticket today.

Fair Grounds

 

Race 5: 1 1/16 Mile. OC 80000b

*Gullet Shot of the Day #2 Hawaakom (8/1) – Dropping to this level last time out, he ran a good 4th closing into a tepid pace.  He should run his best in his 3rd start off a layoff today and has the back class to get the job done.  The Conductor will key him in the exacta.

Fair Grounds

Race 6: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) Alw 42000b

#2 Take That for Data (6/1) – 2nd off the layoff, he’s steadily progressing at Fair Grounds and ran a very strong late pace figure last start.  He should get a good ground-saving trip.

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. F.OC 80000b

#6 Salt Bae (7/2) – This filly looks to get the same winning trip on an easy lead.

Race 8: 5 ½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.Mardi Gras Stakes

#6 Oxford Comma (3/1) – This girl has real speed and loves to win.

Race 9: 6 Furlongs. Mdn 43k

#6 Zapper Van Winkle (7/2) – In race that came back strong, he ran a huge 2nd closing into a slow pace.  With natural progression he’ll get the job done.