NEW ORLEANS – Paladin surged in the final strides Saturday to narrowly defeat Chip Honcho in the Grade 2, $500,000 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course, solidifying his position as a leading contender on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The victory earns the colt 50 points towards qualifying for the 152nd Run for the Roses, bringing his total to a leading 60 points.
Trained by Chad Brown and expertly ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, Paladin covered the 1 1/8-mile distance in a time of 1:49.14, finishing a half-length ahead of a game Chip Honcho. This win adds another prestigious prep race title to Paladin’s resume, following his earlier victory in the Remsen Stakes. Gaffalione enjoyed a successful day, similarly securing a win aboard Bella Ballerina in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes, completing a sweep of the day’s featured races.
The Risen Star, a key stepping stone towards the Kentucky Derby, unfolded on a track that favored horses positioned near the lead. Paladin, breaking sharply from the gate, settled into a tracking position behind Chip Honcho, who quickly established a pace after a slightly slow start. Chip Honcho set opening fractions of 23.81 seconds and 47.49 seconds, testing the stamina of the field. Paladin steadily advanced to second midway down the backstretch, applying consistent pressure to the frontrunner as they rounded the far turn.
Chip Honcho demonstrated resilience, maintaining the lead deep into the stretch. However, as he began to tire, Paladin unleashed a powerful surge, overtaking his rival in the final strides to secure the victory. “I’m very thankful for the entire ownership team and Chad Brown for giving me the opportunity to ride such a nice horse,” Gaffalione said, according to Paulick Report. “He really fought hard today to get the win. The more I asked of him, the more he was able to dig in to get by (Chip Honcho).”
Golden Tempo, trailing the leaders for much of the race, mounted a strong rally from seventh position, swinging wide around the turn to finish third and earn 15 Kentucky Derby qualifying points, bringing his total to 35. Universe finished fourth, adding 10 points to his tally, now totaling 23. Carson Street, after a promising start, faded in the stretch to finish fifth, securing five points for a cumulative total of 11.
Brook Smith, a co-owner of Paladin, expressed his excitement about the horse’s performance. “It was an incredible performance,” Smith said, as reported by Paulick Report. “He dug in late to get by (Chip Honcho). He’s an incredibly talented horse. Hopefully, we’ll have him back in Kentucky in April then onto the Derby a month later.”
The ownership group, which includes Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Peter Brant, Brook Smith and Summer Wind Equine, has experienced success in the Risen Star before. They, along with Brown and Gaffalione, celebrated a victory in the 2024 Risen Star with Sierra Leone, who went on to finish second in the Kentucky Derby 150.
Paladin, a chestnut son of Gun Runner, paid $3.40, $2.80, and $2.10 as the odds-on favorite. He has now improved his record to three wins in three starts, with earnings totaling $484,250.
The next major stop on the Fair Grounds’ Road to the Derby is the Grade 2, $1 million Louisiana Derby, scheduled for Saturday, March 2. The Louisiana Derby will award Kentucky Derby qualifying points on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale for the 1 3/16-mile contest, further shaping the field for the first leg of the Triple Crown.
Paladin’s impressive performance in the Risen Star Stakes has undoubtedly elevated his status as a serious contender for the Kentucky Derby. All eyes will be on his preparation for the Louisiana Derby as he continues his journey towards Churchill Downs. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this promising colt can translate his current form into a strong showing on the first Saturday in May.
What are your thoughts on Paladin’s chances in the Kentucky Derby? Share your predictions and comments below!
