Full field expected for Risen Star

Mardi Gras ends this week in the Big Easy, but Triple Crown fans have

something to get excited about on Saturday in the $150,000 Risen Star S. (G3) at

Fair Grounds. A full field of 14 sophomores and some promising Kentucky Derby

(G1) candidates are expected for the 1 1/16-mile test, including the locally

based STORM SURGE (Storm Cat), who owns victories this meet in the LeComte S.

(G3) and Sugar Bowl S., as well as a contingent of runners from California,

Florida and Arkansas.

Four have been confirmed from California. ICED OUT (Comic Strip), who

recorded runner-up finishes in the San Rafael S. (G2) and California Breeders'

Champion S. following his maiden score, was scratched from last Saturday's Sham

S. at Santa Anita by trainer Doug O'Neill in favor of the Risen Star. Golden

Gate Derby winner BUZZARDS BAY (Marco Bay) will invade for conditioner Jeff

Mullins. Patrick Biancone will ship in Grade 3-placed SCIPION (A.P. Indy). Recent

maiden winner SILENT BID (Grand Slam) will make his initial stakes foray for

four-time Kentucky Derby winner D. Wayne Lukas.

HARLINGTON (Unbridled) highlights a pair of Florida shippers. Out of champion

and $3.2 million earner Serena's Song, the Todd Pletcher-trained colt is perfect

from two career starts and will make his stakes bow off a three-length allowance

win at Gulfstream Park last month. The dark bay colt is prominent on many

Kentucky Derby lists. Trainer Nick Zito said he will send either Pasco S. victor

ELECTRIC LIGHT (Silver Ghost) or the speedy CHIEF COMMANDER (Deputy Commander)

for the Risen Star.

Other likely contestants include LeComte runner-up SMOOTH BID (Rubiano) and

fourth-place finisher SILVER HAZE (Silver Deputy).