Meet the Contenders: 2023 Risen Star Stakes
Victory Formation wins at Keeneland (Photo by Coady Photography)
February 16th, 2023
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Risen Star Stakes, plus a pro, con and rating of their potential. The star rating of * to **** represents opportunity to perform well among the field.
QUIET AS MIDNIGHT *
Pro: Step up in distance doesn’t figure to be an issue.
Con: Maiden claiming grad enters off allowance loss at Delta Downs.
SINGLE RULER **
Pro: Improved significantly with blinkers to earn diploma last out.
Con: Tough spot in which to face winners for the first time.
SHAQ DIESEL *
Shaq Diesel wins at Gulfstream Park (Photo by Ryan Thompson/Coglianese Photos)
Pro: Gutted out win in two-turn debut, albeit against soft company.
Con: Never threatened in two prior stakes appearances.
DETERMINEDLY **
Pro: Rebounded from Gun Runner S. loss to steal Lecomte Day purse.
Con: Showed signs of distance limitations in local allowance win.
HARLOCAP ****
Pro: Pedigree screams Triple Crown potential; should continue to improve.
Con: Nominal front runner must contend with other speed here.
ANGEL OF EMPIRE ***
Angel of Empire wins at Horseshoe Indianapolis (Photo by Coady Photography)
Pro: Strong main track record, including clear second in Smarty Jones S.
Con: Has three-length gap to make up on stablemate Victory Formation.
SUN THUNDER **
Sun Thunder wins at Oaklawn Park (Photo by Coady Photography)
Pro: Perhaps will be more effective on faster surface for barn having a good meet.
Con: Well beaten fourth in his stakes debut in the Southwest (G3).
TAPIT’S CONQUEST ****
Tapit's Conquest wins maiden at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)
Pro: Didn’t get the pace to run at last time, but should get honest one here.
Con: Grinding type might be vulnerable to those with quicker turn of foot.
CURLY JACK ***
Curly Jack wins the Iroquois Stakes (Photo by Coady Photography)
Pro: Second best to Instant Coffee last time, who came back to win Lecomte (G3).
Con: Off since late November and thus might be in need of a race.
TWO PHIL’S ***
Two Phil's wins the Street Sense Stakes (Photo by Coady Photography)
Pro: G3 winner at two has some stylish victories; runner-up in Lecomte.
Con: Couldn’t sustain stretch bid in Lecomte and facing deeper cast here.
SILVER HEIST **
Pro: Took a step forward second out and has plenty of upside.
Con: Out-finished for second in allowance prep and must improve.
CRUPI **
Pro: Closing type should enjoy added distance and return to two turns.
Con: Although improving, remains a maiden after five starts.
VICTORY FORMATION *****
Victory Formation wins the Smarty Jones Stakes (Photo by Coady Photography)
Pro: Winner of all three starts and authoritatively won Smarty Jones.
Con: One dimensional so far and outside post could pose problems.
PRIVATE CREED ***
Private Creed wins the Indian Summer (Photo by Coady Photography)
Pro: Two-time stakes winner, a consistent player, and prepped well at Houston.
Con: Drew poorly and has never run on dirt.
