Lou Hodges Jr.
Notional (right) wins the Risen Star by 2 1/4 lengths under jockey Robby Albarado.
NEW ORLEANS - Two California-based horses shipped into New Orleans for the Risen Star Stakes. One had much luck, the other had none.
Notional came through a crack of light at the top of the stretch and won the Risen Star by 2 1/4 lengths under Robby Albarado, while heavily favored Circular Quay and rider John Velazquez ran head-on into a traffic jam just past the quarter pole, losing all chance in the race and finishing fifth. Imawildandcrazyguy rallied late for second, edging Zanjero, who moved to the lead in upper stretch, but couldn't sustain his rally.