The Risen Star Stakes is a race that sparks memories and raises expectations, especially for trainer Chad Brown. But will history repeat itself?
In a scenario that echoes the past, Brown is gearing up for the Risen Star with a 3-year-old colt, Paladin, who shares striking similarities with Sierra Leone, a previous Brown-trained champion. Both colts, sired by Gun Runner, are poised to make their mark at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, a track that has witnessed Brown's success before.
Sierra Leone's journey began here two years ago, and it was a remarkable one. After his debut at the Risen Star, he went on to win the Blue Grass Stakes and narrowly missed victory in the Kentucky Derby, finishing second by a nose. But the story doesn't end there—Sierra Leone claimed the Breeders' Cup Classic later that year, solidifying his place in the history books as a 3-year-old champion.
Now, Brown is hoping for a similar fairy tale with Paladin. The colt, owned by a familiar group of partners including Peter Brant and Jane Lyon's Summer Wind Equine, already has a win under his belt at the Remsen Stakes, mirroring Sierra Leone's path. With 10 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby, Paladin is off to a promising start, but he's not alone in this quest.
The Risen Star attracts a talented field, including Golden Tempo, who, like Paladin, is unbeaten in two starts. Golden Tempo, owned by Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable, is trained by Cherie DeVaux, a former assistant to Brown. This adds an intriguing layer to the competition, as DeVaux aims to prove her mettle against her former mentor.
Brown's strategy is clear: the Fair Grounds track has been kind to him, and he's keen to replicate Sierra Leone's success with Paladin. With jockey Tyler Gaffalione, who rode Sierra Leone to fame, now on Paladin, the connections are hoping for a similar outcome.
The race also features Courting, trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, who adds blinkers after a recent fourth-place finish. And let's not forget the other contenders, each with their own unique stories and aspirations.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Brown's strategy a safe bet, or is he relying too heavily on past success? Can Paladin live up to Sierra Leone's legacy? And will the Risen Star once again be a stepping stone to greatness, or will it be a different story this time around?
The Fasig-Tipton Risen Star Stakes, with its $500,000 purse and valuable qualifying points, promises to be a thrilling chapter in the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Will Paladin rise to the occasion and continue Brown's winning streak, or will another colt steal the spotlight? Only time will tell, and the racing world eagerly awaits the outcome.
