Summary: Winning lineup to line up in Resurrection Star

The complexity of the qualifying points chase for the Kentucky Derby (G1) will change on February 18 with the Easter Star Stake (G2) at Fair Grounds Racecourse & Slots—first race of the year with a top prize of 50 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. While the pre-seasons have placed their highest finishers in a position to compete for a spot, winning the Easter Star will give the winner enough points to secure a spot in the contest. Run for Commissions on May 6. That kind of reward, plus a $400,000 purse, explains why there’s a field of 14 hopefuls.

first. Quiet as midnight (50-1): He hasn’t gotten past seven stretches yet so he’s stretching here. Railroad helps but with a single win in a $20,000 first claimant, he’s a loser in the field.

JOCKEY: Emanuel Nieves TEACHER: Benard Chatters

2. Single ruler (30-1): It took him 5 times to break his girl and he finally broke the last time. There are some late kicks but it will take a big step to advance from first to second tier bet winner.

3. ShaqDiesel (30-1): Seasoned experience with seven career starts and three wins. However, with two coming in the starting race and the other in the first race, he falls short of the class to be considered the main threat here.

4. resolute (8-1): Chasing victory Jace’s Road in Gun Runner Stakes before falling to third place at the wire. Recovering with a nice subsidy win, but the added distance here of 1/8 mile might not be his friend.

5. Harlocap (8-1): Moved from Bob Baffert’s cage to Steve Asmussen’s cage to chase the Kentucky Derby (G1) point here. He broke through with a sharp first win last time at Santa Anita . Park and if he can repeat or improve on that effort, he will be the main threat here.

RACE: John Velazquez COACH: Steve Asmussen

6. angel of the empire (8-1): One in three starting with coach Brad Cox. He is second of three lengths in Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park to stabilize winning lineup , who has led throughout and will be one of the favorites here. The fast pace certainly helps his chances and the switch to jockey for Luis Saez is a big positive for him.

7. Thunder (15-1): An impressive first but then unthreatening winner in Southwest Stakes (G3) in Oaklawn. He has to deal with a difficult customer there Arab Knights and can enjoy additional background in this quiz. Worthy of consideration in this area.

8. Tapit .’s Conquest (6-1): Gathered well along the tracks while finishing second after Determination on the first try against the winners. He reckons he would benefit from that experience and a quick finish to this race suggests he can take a step further at the opportune moment.

9. Curly Jack (8-1): Closing a promising 2-year season with a good second place in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2). He trained in solid style for his debut at age 3 but it’s fair to wonder if 9 stretches might be a bit long for his first start in almost three months or not.

ten. Two Phil (8-1): Ended his 2-year-old final in a resounding way by winning Street Sense Stakes (G3) by 5 1/4. Start the new year in second place behind a top Kentucky Derby prospect in Instant coffee and since then put in a quick bulleted job for this. Certainly having credentials is a major factor.

11. Silver robbery (12-1): He finished third behind Conquest of Determination and Tapit in the previously referenced allowance race, finishing only by one mile. He also did an excellent job for this race and has the look of a progressive 3-year-old to Asmussen who cannot be ignored.

twelfth. cookies (15-1): He’s a teenager after five career starts but don’t ignore this make for curly colt by that alone. Trained by Todd Pletcher, he has a habit of sleepwalking from the start and then regrouping late to hit the table. Seems like the last time was hopelessly defeated, then attracted by a maiden winner in slide Mahoney . He has the right relationships and if the price is right, he can be a wise inclusion in the extrovert world.

13. winning lineup (3-1): He’s undefeated in three starts and is a decisive winner Smarty Jones Stakes on the front. He drew a difficult hand but with his speed he was able to move inside in the first leg and make a smooth ride. Looks like one to beat in the field.

14. own creed (12-1): He only runs on grass and although he has some ability, drawing 14 makes a difficult challenge an even more difficult task. In a strong field, we will let him beat us.