The Risen Star Stakes is the feature race at Fairgrounds on Saturday.
But the undercard has the Rachel Alexandra Stakes in which the Winner is awarded 50 qualifying points toward a spot in the Kentucky Oaks.
Here is a brief look at the field for the Grade 2, $300,000 dollar, mile & 1/16 contest:
1. ANONIMA [ML 6-1] Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. Trainer: Ken McPeek. Has Won her last two starts, including an Allowance Win on this track. Seems to be on an upswing- has the rail and Irad in the saddle. Might be a threat.
2. GOOD CHEER [ML 6-5] Jockey: Luis Saez. Trainer: Brad Cox. Begins her 3-year-old season undefeated in four starts and Won the Grade 2 Golden Rod Stakes to end the year. The one to beat.
3. BALLERINA D’ORO [ML 7-2] Jockey: Flavien Prat. Trainer: Chad Brown. She’s a stone-cold closer- rallied from last of 10 to finish 2nd in the Grade 2 Demoiselle Stakes in her first effort on dirt. Could be a serious threat in the final furlong.
4. GOWELLS DELIGHT [ML 12-1] Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr. Trainer: Ken McPeek. Comes off a 14 ½-length loss in the Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Probably be part of the early pace but is up against here.
5. ALEDEAN [ML 15-1] Jockey: Edgar Morales. Trainer: Tom Amoss. She comes in off two straight Wins. Won an Allowance race to start 2025, but that was in the slop in an off-the-turf race. Rates a look.
6. SIMPLY JOKING [ML 4-1] Jockey: Jaime Torres. Trainer: Whit Beckman. She’s only run in Stakes and is 2-for-2. Won the Silverbulletday Stakes on this track in the slop. Could be tough to catch if she can slow down the pace enough.
7. BLESS THE BROKEN [ML 12-1] Jockey: Axel Concepcion. Trainer: William Walden. Rallied for 2nd in the Silverbulletday, losing by 2 ½ lengths at 16-1 odds. Was 7th in the Demoiselle before that. If she brings her A game she could be a threat here.
The Rachel Alexandra is slated as race 13 on a massive card of 14 with a scheduled Post Time of 7:00.
Best of luck however you play it
