Springboard Mile winner Senor Buscador seeks to stay perfect in Risen Star Stakes

Senor Buscador is scheduled to launch his 3-year-old season Feb. 13 in the Grade 2, $400,000 Risen Star at Fair Grounds, trainer Todd Fincher said Thursday.

The Kentucky Derby points race will be the horse’s first start since his Dec. 18 win in the $200,000 Springboard Mile at Remington Park. Senor Buscador is wintering at Sam Houston and breezed a half-mile in 48.20 seconds there Thursday.

“We worked a good half with a big gallop-out,” Fincher said. “He worked good.”

Fincher said Luis Quinonez has the mount for the Risen Star. The veteran journeyman has been aboard the unbeaten horse for both of his starts, including a maiden special weight over 5 1/2 furlongs on Nov. 6 at Remington.

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The Springboard Mile win was dominant, as Senor Buscador closed from 10th for a 5 3/4-length victory and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 93. The race woke up Senor Buscador.

“Big-time mentally,” Fincher said. “He was just a big clown having fun playing. He’s taking things a little more serious now.”

Senor Buscador is a half-brother to Grade 3 Sunland Derby winner Runaway Ghost, who races for his co-breeder, Joe R. Peacock Jr.

Fincher has another runner pointing to an upcoming stakes at Fair Grounds. He said She’s My Gem is targeting the $75,000 Mardi Gras for fillies and mares at about 5 1/2 furlongs on turf Feb. 16.

She is coming off a win in the $60,000 Orleans on Jan. 5 at Delta Downs. She’s My Gem is from the female family of millionaire Kelly Kip. The two-time stakes winner is owned by Dale F. Taylor Racing.

◗ Sam Houston adds Wednesday racing to its schedule, starting Feb. 10. The track puts on a 10-race card that starts at 4:15 p.m. Central.

◗ Fonner Park opens its meet Feb. 19. The season will run through May 1.