Paladin, Bella Ballerina stay unbeaten in Risen Star, Rachel Alexandra

Feb 14, 2026 J. Keeler Johnson/TwinSpires.com

Paladin wins the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds. (Photo by Hodges Photography)

On Saturday at Fair Grounds, Paladin and Bella Ballerina bolstered their credentials as 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) contenders with hard-fought triumphs in the Risen Star (G2) and Rachel Alexandra (G2).

Held over 1 1/8 miles, the Risen Star is a pivotal Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier worth 50-25-15-10-5 points to the top five finishers. In recent years, it’s produced two Kentucky Derby winners: Country House (2019) and Mandaloun (2021).

Paladin is well on his way to joining the club. Winner of the 1 1/8-mile Remsen (G2) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby last fall, the son of 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner brought his racing record to a perfect 3-for-3 in the Risen Star. With jockey Tyler Gaffalione in the saddle for trainer Chad Brown, Paladin rated in fourth place through pace fractions of :23.81 and :47.49, advanced to second place around the far turn, and gradually wore down pacesetter Chip Honcho to prevail by half a length in 1:49.14.

Chip Honcho pulled 5 1/2 lengths clear of third-place finisher Golden Tempo, who closed from far behind, followed by Universe, Carson Street, Courting, Quality Mischief, and Colt Forty Seven.

“I’m very thankful for the entire ownership team and Chad Brown for giving me the opportunity to ride such a nice horse,” said Gaffalione. “He really fought hard today to get the win. The more I asked of him, the more he was able to dig in to get by (Chip Honcho).”

With 60 Kentucky Derby qualification points to his name, Paladin tops the latest leaderboard by a clear margin over Chip Honcho (39 points) and Golden Tempo (35 points). Bred by Summer Wind Equine, the chestnut colt is owned by the partnership of Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith, Peter M. Brant, Brook T. Smith, and Summer Wind Equine.

About half an hour before Paladin’s triumph, Bella Ballerina proved similarly tenacious in the Rachel Alexandra, a Road to the Kentucky Oaks qualifier worth 50-25-15-10-5 points. The 1 1/16-mile race has produced recent Kentucky Oaks winners Good Cheer (2025), Pretty Mischievous (2023), Serengeti Empress (2019), Monomoy Girl (2018), Lovely Maria (2015), Untapable (2014), and Believe You Can (2012).

Like Paladin, Bella Ballerina is unbeaten in three starts. At Churchill Downs last fall, the daughter of 2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense won the 1 1/16-mile Golden Rod (G2) on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks by half a length.

Her margin of victory in the Rachel Alexandra was identical. Using her early speed to good effect, Bella Ballerina set quick fractions of :23.40 and :46.98 on the front end. Luv Your Neighbor, her closest pursuer, launched a challenge around the far turn and even poked her head in front down the homestretch, but Bella Ballerina battled back under Gaffalione to secure the victory in 1:43.38.

“She relaxed well for me going into the far turn and had to battle down the stretch to get it done,” said Gaffalione. “I thought she was getting a little tired on me, but the more I asked of her the more she dug in.”

Luv Your Neighbor held second place by 2 1/2 lengths over Just Singing, while Powered by Family, Classic Glide, and Majestical trailed the field.

Bred and owned by Godolphin, Bella Ballerina is trained by Brendan Walsh, who saddled 2023 Rachel Alexandra winner Pretty Mischievous to a Kentucky Oaks triumph. Bella Ballerina is closely related to Pretty Mischievous, as they share the same dam (mother), Pretty City Dancer.

Bella Ballerina has a clear path to emulating her half-sister. Having accumulated 60 Kentucky Oaks qualification points, Bella Ballerina ranks atop the latest leaderboard by a clear margin over Explora (45 points), with Luv Your Neighbor (40 points) sitting third.