Three takeaways from 2022 Risen Star

Feb 23, 2022 James Scully/TwinSpires.com

Point values increased in Saturday’s Risen Star (G2), the
first Kentucky Derby qualifier to award a combined 85 points to the top four finishers
(50-20-10-5 scale), and five of the 10 runners shipped in to Fair Grounds for
the 1 1/8-mile race.

Here are my three takeaways.

1 – Distance
attracts quality depth

In 2020, Fair Grounds lengthened the distances of three
qualifiers, moving the Risen Star to nine furlongs and the Louisiana Derby (G2)
to 1 3/16 miles, and the races became more attractive to Kentucky Derby
contenders. Mandaloun and Hot Rod Charlie, first and second in the 2021
Kentucky Derby following this week’s Kentucky Horse Racing Commission ruling, both
prepped at Fair Grounds last year.

The $400,000 Risen Star drew a strong field, including three
premier contestants (Smile Happy, Zandon, and Slow Down Andy) who shipped in
from Florida and California.

2 – Epicenter
dominates as lone speed

Based at Fair Grounds with Steve Asmussen, Epicenter delivered
a powerful performance on the front end, drawing off to an overwhelming
advantage in midstretch before being taken in hand by Joel Rosario. The Not This
Time colt appeared to have plenty left in the latter stages, improving upon a
head second in the Jan. 22 Lecomte S. (G3) in which he coughed up a clear lead
in deep stretch.

Speed often plays favorably in the Kentucky Derby, and
Epicenter significantly improved his stock with the 2 3/4-length decision, but he
had everything his own way as the unopposed pacesetter. That wasn’t the case in
the Lecomte, and Epicenter is sure to face more pressure in upcoming starts.

That doesn’t mean he won’t handle it, and Epicenter has
plenty going for him after the Risen Star, but he still has something to prove.

3 – Smile
Happy, Zandon run well

Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) winner Smile Happy appeared to be
in trouble midway on the far turn, mired in traffic while racing toward the
back of the pack, but Corey Lanerie was riding chilly. The 2-1 favorite
responded when called upon, slicing his way through traffic as he launched his
bid, and Smile Happy finished full of run for second.

Favored in the first three Kentucky Derby Future Wagers, Smile
Happy was at a pace disadvantage given his run style, and trainer Kenny McPeek came
away pleased with the encouraging performance.

Remsen (G2) runner-up Zandon threw his head up when the gates opened, breaking a
step slowly, and lost ground rallying wide from off the pace. He was outfinished by Smile Happy in deep stretch, but considering it was only the third start for the maiden
winner, Zandon is eligible to build upon the solid effort.

Smile Happy and Zandon didn’t win the battle, but they lost
little in defeat. The first Saturday in May is the goal.