Risen Star

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

The Risen Star S. (G3) contained the eventual Kentucky Derby (G1) winner only
three years ago, but nobody watching the 1 1/16-mile event that day could have
predicted that War Emblem would go on to glory following his sixth-place finish
at 38-1 odds. A cast of 11 Triple Crown hopefuls have been assembled for
Saturday’s $150,000 event, and we’re going to try to beat the likely favorite,
HARLINGTON (Unbridled). The $2.8 million yearling purchase is two for two in his
career, but both wins have come over sloppy tracks. With the prediction for fast
conditions Saturday, the promising colt will be trying something new while
spotting seasoning to most of his rivals. He could prove vulnerable on this
occasion, but a setback here shouldn’t mean anything in the long run.

RUSH BAY (Cozzene) has been training sensationally for his seasonal bow and
ended his juvenile season on a strong note, breaking his maiden by 6 3/4 lengths
at Churchill prior to a troubled runner-up finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club S.
(G2). The bay colt gained valuable experience in that last start and has earned
commendable BRIS Speed and Late Pace figures. He’ll have to overcome the far
outside post, but jockey Eusebio Rzao Jr. should take back early in order to
save ground. There’s plenty of speed present to set up a winning rally down the
long Fair Grounds’ stretch.

Harlington could be any kind and it would be exciting for the sport to see
him shine. From the last crop of the outstanding Unbridled and out champion and
$3.2 million earner Serena’s Song, he owns the bloodlines to be a star as well
as excellent human connections (Todd Pletcher/John Velazquez). However, a loss
here wouldn’t be a bad thing as long as Harlington turns in a good showing. The
dark bay colt will have to overcome an outside post and will be shipping for the
first time. We’re looking forward to seeing how he does.

SMOOTH BID (Rubiano) comes off a solid runner-up finish in the LeComte S.
(G3) and showed more speed that afternoon than usual. He should enjoy a better
rating trip on Saturday given the presence of much more early speed, and the
gray colt appears to be on the upswing for trainer Steve Asmussen, earning a 100
Late Pace and career-best 93 Speed rating. Smooth Bid always tries hard (6-2-3-1
career) and figures to enjoy a ground-saving trip from the rail. We’ll look for
him to grab a share from just off the pace.

STORM SURGE (Storm Cat) merits serious respect off his neck win in the
LeComte and affinity for the New Orleans track (two-for-two). The Dallas Stewart
trainee handled two turns going a mile last out, but he faltered badly in his
only attempt at 8 1/2 furlongs and the two best performances of his career from
a Speed-figure perspective have come in sprints. His pedigree suggests two
turns, but Storm Surge has looked better at shorter distances so far. We’ll let
him beat us here but will use him on the bottom of the exotics.

ICED OUT (Comic Strip) broke his maiden against $32,000 claimers at Golden
Gate Fields and then finished a fine second against fellow Cal-breds in the
California Breeders’ Champion S. The Doug O’Neill runner improved again in his
last outing, rallying boldly to finish a close second in the San Rafael S. (G2)
at Santa Anita, and he looms a dangerous off-the-pace contestant here. We
wouldn’t be surprised to see him perform well in his first start outside of
California. SILENT BID (Grand Slam) figures to show speed off a near
wire-to-wire maiden win at Santa Anita. A $550,000 purchase, the D. Wayne
Lukas-conditioned colt will likely face some pressure, but he could last a long
way if he continues to improve.

REAL DANDY (Yankee Victor) appears to be getting better and better and will
make his stakes bow for Asmussen. He figures to sit a good trip with his
tactical speed, and the bay colt merits consideration for the bottom of the
exotics at long odds given his encouraging recent form. SCIPION (A.P. Indy)
displayed some promise last year for trainer Patrick Biacone but didn’t run that
well in his seasonal bow against allowance rivals. We want to see more before
endorsing him against stakes rivals.

ELECTRIC LIGHT (Silver Ghost) ships in for Nick Zito off a victory in the
Pasco S. at Tampa Bay Downs and will make his first start around two turns. He’s
bred for the added ground but will be facing much tougher rivals in this spot.
We’ll just watch for now. BUZZARDS BAY (Marco Bay) posted a game victory over an
off track in the Golden Gate Derby last time, but he faces a much more difficult
challenge here. We can’t recommend his chances. BOLD LION (Lion Cavern) exits a
six-furlong allowance win over a sloppy track here. We’d be surprised to see him
step up and be a factor.