Wide Open Field of Nine Set for $400,000 Illinois Derby

Cross the Line has been installed as the morning line favorite in the wide-open field at odds of 3-1 for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. A dark bay son of Line of David, he has won two of his six starts and has been on the board in five of them. He was fifth last time out in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) in his first try over conventional dirt after racing exclusively on synthetics. Florent Geroux will be in the iron for the first time and they will break from post position three.

Whiskey Ticket taking on winners for the first time

Second choice at 7-2 on the morning line is Whiskey Ticket for trainer Bob Baffert. Purchased for $200,000 as a yearling, the dark bay son of Ghostzapper will be making his stakes debut after breaking his maiden in his first career start. He defeated a seven rivals in a game performance in which he prevailed by a head after setting the pace. Martin Pedroza will be back aboard and they will break from post position six.

Stakes debut for Conquest Curlinate

Also in the field at morning line odds of 8-1 is Conquest Curlinate for trainer Mark Casse. Purchased for $70,000 as a yearling by Conquest Stables, the gray colt is stepping up to stakes company for the first time after a third-place finish as the favorite against allowance company last time out. He broke his maiden in his second career start at Oaklawn Park in January. Shaun Bridgmohan will remain aboard and they will break from post five.