International Star, War Story point to Risen Star

International Star was back at trainer Mike Maker’s barn in Florida looking no worse for the wear after successfully shipping to New Orleans, where he won the Grade 3, $200,000 Lecomte by 2 1/2 lengths Saturday at Fair Grounds.

International Star did all his major work for the Lecomte at Palm Meadows and Gulfstream Park before flying to Louisiana on Wednesday, galloping two days, winning the stakes Saturday, and flying back to Florida the next morning.

Saving ground nearly the entire trip from post 1, International Star got out of a box before the eighth pole, wheeled around Tiznow R J and War Story, and won the Lecomte going away despite switching leads at an awkward late moment and briefly ducking out. His time of 1:41.62 for the one mile and 70 yards produced an 89 Beyer Speed Figure.

“He came out of the race just fine, no changes,” Maker said. “It’s too early to say for sure what we’ll do, but the Risen Star [on Feb. 21 at Fair Grounds] seems like the logical spot.”

War Story, who edged Tiznow R J for second, also will be pointed to the Grade 2 Risen Star, trainer Tom Amoss said in a text message.

Making his third start, War Story broke poorly and might not have been fully focused on racing. Jockey James Graham suggested after the race that Amoss consider cutting back War Story’s blinkers, but Amoss said no decision has been made about altering equipment.