Machen, Wilkinson work at Fair Grounds

Neil Howard sent his two prospects for the February 19 Risen Star S. (G2), MACHEN

(Distorted Humor) and WILKINSON (Lemon Drop Kid), out for a half-mile work Tuesday over the fast main track at Fair Grounds.

Wilkinson, who exits a head victory in the Lecomte S. (G3), breezed four

furlongs in :48. Unbeaten Machen completed his move in :49 4/5.

The 1 1/16-mile Risen Star is the second leg of Fair Grounds' sophomore

series that concludes with the $1 million Louisiana Derby (G2) on March 26.

Howard initially considered training Wilkinson up to the Louisiana Derby, but

he's now leaning toward the Risen Star, which is named for the locally-owned

1988 Preakness S. (G1) and Belmont S. (G1)-winning champion.

"Right now, I would say it is 60-40 that he'll run (in the Risen Star),"

Howard said Monday, "with the 60 percent being that he will run."

Machen, who has compiled both career wins over the New Orleans oval, is

slated to make his stakes debut in the Risen Star. After breaking his maiden by 5 1/2 lengths on January 2,

he recorded a superb five-length

decision over allowance/optional claiming rivals on January 30.