Though only a G2 race, the Risen Star has arguably had a more recent impact on the Kentucky Derby than any G1 prep. The last four winners of the Risen Star – Mandaloun, Epicenter, Angel of Empire,

The Risen Star Stakes features the return of the highly-touted East Avenue and Jonathan's Way, but Robert Criscola's horse racing betting picks believe 30-1 shot Chunk of Gold is a must-use in the exotics.

The field also includes Jonathan's Way , who won the Iroquois Stakes (G3) at the one-turn mile distance in September at Churchill Downs then finished seventh in the Juvenile and second in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) going 1 1/16 miles Nov. 30 at Churchill Downs .

The Churchill Downs Road to the Kentucky Derby series ups the ante this weekend, as the Risen Star Stakes is the first leg of the series awarding 50 points to the winner.

The Road to the Kentucky Derby continues with the Championship Series races offering the most points and interest to horse racing fans. Kentucky Derby Championship Series prep race schedule, tracker,