Busy morning for Risen Star contenders

A half-dozen 3-year-olds either likely or possible for the Feb. 16 Risen Star Stakes had timed workouts Saturday at Fair Grounds.

War of Will topped the list of workers, going an easy half-mile in 51 seconds in his first breeze since a sharp win Jan. 19 in the Lecomte Stakes.

“Started a little slow,” assistant trainer David Carroll said in a text message. “Finished up beautifully and galloped out strong. Very smooth.”

War of Will, trained for Gary Barber by Mark Casse, is 2 for 2 on dirt after making his first four starts in turf races last season. He’s the likely favorite for the Risen Star over 1 1/16 miles.

Also working half-miles Saturday were Owendale (48.80), Hog Creek Hustle (48.60), Plus Que Parfait (49.80), and Chase the Ghost (48.40). Owendale got a 91 Beyer Speed Figure winning a first-level, two-turn dirt allowance race Jan. 13 at Fair Grounds by 1 1/2 lengths. Trained by Brad Cox, Owendale would be making his stakes debut in the Risen Star. Hog Creek Hustle finished second in the Lecomte, while Plus Que Parfait finished fifth and Chase the Ghost was sixth.

Manny Wah worked a half-mile in 49.20 on Saturday. He finished third in the Lecomte but trainer Wayne Catalano said he’s undecided yet about entering the Risen Star.

Friday, Silverbulletday Stakes-winner Needs Supervision had her first work since that Jan. 19 win, going three furlongs in 36.80 seconds. Needs Supervision runs next in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes, part of the Feb. 16 multi-stakes card at Fair Grounds.