Despite a tough start and wide trip, Northern Afleet’s top 3-year-old War Story was only beaten a length in the $400,000 Risen Star S. (G2) on Feb. 22, leaving both his rider and trainer looking for better things.

Away near the back of the nine-horse field in the 1 1/16-mile contest, Kent Desormeaux had to ultimately take War Story five wide on the far turn. He managed to get loose with a good run in the stretch, besting all but the winner, International Star.

“We had about the same trip as the winner, but he cut the corner and I had to swing five-wide,” Desormeaux said.  “There’s nothing more to say.”

Trainer Tom Amoss echoed his rider’s sentiment.  “When you break like that, it’s such a compromising factor; your options become limited.  We lost a lot of ground on the turn and were widest of all.  There are a lot of encouraging things and he had a tougher trip than last time.  He shows a lot of grit.  There’s more to come from War Story.  His next start has not been decided.”

Fair Grounds’ final prep for the Kentucky Derby is the March 28, $750,000 Louisiana Derby (G2).

War Story, who was also second in the Lecomte S. (G3) last month, has now earned $168,600 in his four starts. He is owned by Christoper Dunn and Loooch Racing.

Along with the stakes-placed Kluszewski and recent impressive maiden special weight winner Data Driven, War Story is a trio of 3-year-olds by Northern Afleet on this year’s Triple Crown Trail.