By Matt Shifman and Bob Ehalt

The $500,000 Risen Star (G2), Fair Grounds

Race 13 – The Risen Star is the first Kentucky Derby prep race this year that offers the increased qualifying points of [50-25-15-10-5]. A fast pace is projected in this nine-furlong contest which drew a field of 13 that includes three horses that already have a victory on the Derby trail.  (9) Built won the Gun Runner by almost seven lengths with a front-end effort. In the Lecomte (G3) in January, he rallied from behind and just missed the victory by a neck and has 20 Derby points. He has versatility that will be valuable as the winner must get through the large field and handle the distance. (4) East Avenue won his first two starts beginning with an eight-length victory at Ellis Park and then he won the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) by more than five lengths earning him 10 Derby points. In the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, he stumbled badly out of the gate and lost all chance on his way to a ninth-place finish. Both of his wins were with front-end efforts and he is expected to be part of the fast pace. (1) American Promise broke his maiden in his sixth start at Oaklawn at the end of December with a front-end effort on a muddy track going two-turns. He earned a speed figure that shares the highest number in this field. Lukas sent him onto the Kentucky Derby trail in the Southwest (G3) where he finished sixth and was moved down to seventh place. Breaking from the rail he can get a ground-saving trip. (3) Vassimo is undefeated in two starts since starting his career in December. He broke his maiden going a mile against a field of nine at Gulfstream Park. Last month in December he beat a small group in an allowance at Tampa Downs making a big jump in speed figures. In both races he used a stalking trip going a mile or more.

Betting strategy:  Exacta box: 1, 3, 4, 9. Trifecta box:  1, 3, 4, 9.