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Read this article12 Derby Hopefuls Square Off in Grade 2 Risen Star
In the first major points-bearing race in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, the Grade 2, $400,000 Risen Star features a full field February 20 at Fair Grounds in an intriguing betting race.
The mile and one sixteenth event awards 50-20-10- and 5 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the first four finishers and looks to be a completely wide open race with lukewarm 5/2 favorite in Airoforce. The Mark Casse trainee will be making his first start over a fast dirt surface if the New Orleans weather cooperates after proving to be a top-class turf horse last year. Airoforce also won the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club over a sloppy track against two rivals he will face again in the Risen Star.
Mo Tom goes for stakes repeat
Mo Tom (3/1) unleashed a powerful closing move to win the Grade 3 LeComte in his last start, but will surely find the waters deeper in the Risen Star. Trained by Tom Amoss, the slow-breaking son of Uncle Mo has won 3 of 5 starts, but will likely need plenty of early pace to flatter his late-running style. Jockey Corey Lanerie will be aboard from post 2.
Gun Runner likely to move forward
Gun Runner (6/1) showed promise as a two year-old, winning his first two starts before finishing a deceptively good fourth in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes November 28 over a sloppy track. Although he was beaten a length and a half for third by Mo Tom, Gun Runner took a short lead at the head of the stretch before flattening out in a very productive effort. The Steve Asmussen trainee has worked well for his three year-old debut and has the tactical speed to allow jockey Florent Geroux to sit a comfortable trip from post 6.
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