This Saturday marks the start of the Championship Series races leading up to the prestigious Kentucky Derby. The Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes, held at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, will feature a competitive field of 13 horses vying for a $500,000 purse. These championship races over the next three months serve as critical qualifiers, with winners earning enough points to secure a spot in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby on May 3 at Churchill Downs.

Key Contenders and Favorites

The opening pari-mutuel odds highlight East Avenue as the morning line favorite, ridden by top jockey Tyler Gaffalione. Despite a disappointing ninth-place finish in last November's FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile, East Avenue remains a strong contender with a promising record. Two other notable entries are Jonathan’s Way and Vassimo, both ridden by the Ortiz brothers, who start just inside East Avenue. Built, under the guidance of jockey Luis Saez, is another formidable competitor challenging the favorite.

East Avenue has shown reliability in hitting the board (top-3 finishes) and makes its 2025 debut after a less-than-stellar performance in the previous year. Jonathan’s Way and Vassimo add depth to the race, while Built offers a competitive edge. Other longshots like American Promise and Vamos Carlitos provide additional excitement for bettors. Historical trends suggest that early speed can be advantageous, with past winners often leading or close to the front after the first half-mile. Last year's winner, Sierra Leone, exemplified this pattern before making a late surge to victory.

Additional Races and Expert Insights

Beyond the Risen Star Stakes, the day features several other high-profile events. Race 12 is the Grade 3 Fair Grounds Stakes, a turf race for older horses, while Race 13 is the Grade 2 Rachel Alexandra Stakes, which awards qualifying points for the Kentucky Oaks. Horse Racing Nation's Super Screener analysis provides valuable insights into these races, identifying top contenders like Simply Joking for the Rachel Alexandra Stakes and Taking Candy for the Fair Grounds Stakes.

Historically, the Risen Star Stakes and Louisiana Derby have been significant predictors of Kentucky Derby success. Since 2013, 38 starters from these races have competed in the Kentucky Derby, more than any other prep races. Horses like Sierra Leone, Epicenter, and Zandon have demonstrated continued improvement post-Risen Star, making this event a crucial indicator of future champions. Fans and bettors should closely follow these races as they unfold, as they often produce some of the most exciting moments in horse racing. Exclusive coverage by FanDuel TV promises an engaging experience, offering behind-the-scenes insights and expert analysis throughout the 13-race card.