DERBY PREPS: Risen Star kicks off next phase of qualifying (The Associated Press)
As in: The winner of the Risen Star at the Fair Grounds on Saturday will earn enough points to qualify for the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs on May 7. The Risen Star is the 20th of 35 designated Derby prep races, but the first to offer 50 points – a lock for the Derby field if more than the maximum 20 horses are entered. A look back at the points plan since it began in 2013 shows that 20 points all but reserves a spot in the starting gate for the Derby.