Meet the Contenders: 2026 Risen Star Stakes
Paladin wins the Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photo / Credit to Janet Napolitano)
February 10th, 2026
Meet the horses running in the 2026 Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents the opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your stable alerts.
Universe wins at Saratoga. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#1 Universe ***
Pro: Ran well below par at Oaklawn; three times graded-placed before that.
Con: Should get a stronger pace here, but gives a vibe of being a cut below.
Universe pulls away to win on debut at 17/1 in R8 at Saratoga! @kennymcpeek trains and Christopher Elliot was in the irons. 💰 pic.twitter.com/SV4SJlJvoZ
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) August 30, 2025
Golden Tempo wins at Fair Grounds. (Photo by Hodges Photo)
#2 Golden Tempo ****
Pro: Deep closer was up in time to win Lecomte (G3); added distance will suit.
Con: Best of the locals, but quick enough to outrun Paladin?
Carson Street wins at Fair Grounds. (Photo by Hodges Photo)
#3 Carson Street **
Pro: Outran expectations in the Lecomte, exiting off-track maiden win.
Con: Nine furlongs might not be best for him, given his running style.
#4 Paladin *****
Pro: Strong-looking win in Remsen (G2); one to beat off that performance.
Con: Stands out less than Sierra Leone, who followed a similar path.
Chip Honcho wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)
#5 Chip Honcho **
Pro: On the pace throughout in Lecomte; might rate more here with blinkers off.
Con: Has pretty much run the same race all four starts; must move forward.
Colt Forty Seven wins at Horseshoe Indiana. (Photo by Coady Media)
#6 Colt Forty Seven *
Pro: Showed some improvement at big odds last time, albeit against softer.
Con: Both wins have been at the expense of claimers.
Courting breaking his maiden at Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Susie Raisher)
#7 Courting ***
Pro: Off poorly in Remsen; blinkers on for barn that’s 2-for-2 here.
Con: Lone win came against stablemate, who is now 0-for-5.
Quality Mischief wins at Horseshoe Indianapolis. (Photo by Coady Media)
#8 Quality Mischief **
Pro: Fell too far behind in Lecomte, capable of showing more early foot.
Con: Appears to be a cut below better local contenders.
