By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman

The $500,000 Risen Star Stakes (G2), Fair Grounds, Race 12

(4)  Paladin ended 2025 with an impressive win in the Remsen, despite being bumped at the start. Is following the same Remsen-Risen Star route as Sierra Leone for trainer Chad Brown and gets the call here. (2) Golden Tempo rallied from 10^th to win the Lecomte here. Should welcome the added distance and be the main competition. (8) Quality Mischief was hurt by a wide trip when fifth in the Lecomte and gets a positive rider switch. (5) Chip Honcho broke slowly and raced wide in the Lecomte. Should get a better trip here. Betting strategy: 4 to win. Exacta and trifecta box: 2-4-5-8.