Kentucky Derby Prep Races: Risen Star Stakes 2025

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races

Risen Star Stakes 2025 Odds & Analysis: Who Will Step Up on the Derby Trail?

The Road to the Kentucky Derby heats up with the Grade 2, $500,000 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course on February 15. This pivotal 1 1/8-mile contest serves as the first 105-point qualifying race of the season, offering Kentucky Derby Prep Races points on a 50-25-15-10-5 scale to the top five finishers.

With high stakes in play, bettors are closely watching how this race could impact Kentucky Derby odds and shape future Kentucky Derby betting strategies.

An entire field of 13 three-year-olds is set to battle for a coveted spot in the starting gate at Churchill Downs on May 3. East Avenue returns to action after a tough trip in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), where he stumbled at the start and finished ninth. 

The Brendan Walsh-trained colt had previously dominated the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland, winning by 5 1/4 lengths. A victory in the Risen Star would guarantee his Derby berth, while a second-place finish could still be enough based on historical trends.

Key Contenders in the Risen Star

East Avenue Looks to Rebound

Godolphin’s homebred son of Medaglia d’Oro has shown immense talent, easily winning his first two races before a troubled run at Del Mar. Trainer Brendan Walsh has been fine-tuning East Avenue’s starting gate readiness in recent workouts, preparing him for a strong return. With Tyler Gaffalione in the irons, this proven graded-stakes winner is one to watch.

Jonathan’s Way Brings Breeders’ Cup Experience

Rigney Racing’s Jonathan’s Way also exits the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, where he finished seventh. He bounced back with a strong runner-up effort in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs. Before those races, the son of Vekoma was unbeaten in two starts, including a victory in the Iroquois Stakes (G3). Trained by Philip Bauer and ridden by Jose Ortiz, Jonathan’s Way has the pedigree and experience to be a significant threat.

Built Returns After Narrow Lecomte Defeat

While Lecomte Stakes (G3) winner Disco Time is absent from the Risen Star, runner-up Built returns to prove himself at a longer distance; trained by Wayne Catalano, Built was outkicked in the stretch last time out but had previously won the Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds in wire-to-wire fashion. With Luis Saez taking over as jockey, expect Built to be forwardly placed and competitive.

Vassimo Steps Up in Class

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher sends out Vassimo, an unbeaten Nyquist colt making his stakes debut. The lightly raced runner has looked impressive in Florida, winning his first two starts. With top jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard, Vassimo represents an exciting wildcard in this deep field.

Other Notable Entrants

American Promise (D. Wayne Lukas, Keith Asmussen) – A well-regarded colt who must step up in his first stakes attempt.

Seattle Road (Thomas Amoss, Marcelino Pedroza Jr.) – Consistent runner looking to make an impact.

Septarian (Chad Brown, Flavien Prat) – Trained by one of the best, this son of Chad Brown could be sitting on a big performance.

Render Judgment (Kenneth McPeek, Brian Hernandez Jr.) – Has flashed ability and could improve with added distance.

As the final race on a stacked 14-race card, the Risen Star should provide valuable insight into how these horses stack up heading into the major Derby preps. Bettors looking for in-depth analysis, live odds, and expert picks should visit our racebook for the latest insights and betting opportunities.