The $300,000 Risen Star Stakes (G3) is the major local prep for the Louisiana Derby and ultimately the Triple Crown. Twelve 3-year-olds went to the gate in this 1 1/16-mile trip over the Fair Grounds main track. J. Paul Reddam's Notional, the 3-1 second choice, rallied impressively between rivals when set down for the drive and drew clear for a 2 1/4-length score, 6-5 favorite Circular Quay was finishing fifth, his chances compromised by a spill involving Slew's Tizzy at the top of the stretch. Notional, trained by Doug O'Neill and with Robby Albarado aboard for a Fair Grounds-record 11th graded stakes win, was impressive on his own, paying $7.80, $4.80 and $4 while covering the 1 1/16-mile distance in 1:44.18.
The spill occurred entering the stretch when Slew's Tizzy, ridden by James Graham, clipped heels with tiring early pacesetter Makeithapencaptain along the rail, but both fallen horse and rider apparently escaped injury. Graham, in fact, came back to win the next race of the afternoon. Circular Quay lost all chance for the win while racing immediately behind Slew's Tizzy, was forced to take up by jockey John Velazquez, but swerved to the outside and launched an impressive late close to gain fifth position.
