
Risen Star Stakes Results: February 17, 2024 at Fair Grounds
- Updated: February 21, 2024

The Risen Star Stakes, a Grade 2 Kentucky Derby prep race, saw Sierra Leone emerge victorious after a thrilling closing surge. Let’s break down the key details:
Winner: Sierra Leone (ridden by Tyler Gaffalione)
Margin of Victory: 1/2 length
Distance: 1 1/8 miles
Time: 1:49.86
Track Condition: Sloppy
Other Top Finishers:
2nd – Track Phantom
3rd – Catching Freedom
4th – Resilience
5th – Honor Marie
Highlights:
Sierra Leone started in ninth position but displayed impressive closing speed in the final stretch.
This was his first start as a 3-year-old and solidified his position as a leading Kentucky Derby contender.
The victory earned him 50 qualifying points for the Derby, putting him at the top of the leaderboard with 55 total points. Catching Freedom, another Kentucky Derby hopeful, finished a respectable third.
Overall:
The Risen Star Stakes witnessed an exciting performance by Sierra Leone, boosting his Kentucky Derby aspirations. The race provided valuable points for Derby hopefuls and further narrowed the field of contenders.
Additional Resources:
Full Race Replay
Race Results
Analysis
Please note that this analysis was performed by Google’s Gemini AI and is for informational purposes only and should not be considered gambling advice. Always gamble responsibly and within your limits.