This one is actually kind of interesting. "[14], Epicenter went off as the 4-1 favorite in a very deep field for the 2022 Kentucky Derby. This meant that White Abarrio tipped out first getting the third path into the lane while Charge it had to swing around to the 4th. He was trained by Steven Asmussen and retired -> race for Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, and was bred in Kentucky, United States by Westwind Farms. Zandon (7-2), the publics fourth choice, was another half-length back in third. Horses from Japan have proven that they deserve to be in on the conversation. Happy Jack, another Preakness entrant, was third, a neck in front of Armagnac. His time of 1:54.38 for 1+316 miles set a new track record. [20] Epicenter was again the even-money favorite. Epicenter ran arguably his best race this year in the Kentucky Derby and finished strong despite other horses fading through fast fractions. He finished second by three-quarters of a length to one of the biggest upset winners in the history of the Derby. However, he tired in the stretch and finished sixth. Good run, said McPeek, who added it was too soon to know what Smile Happys last prep would be before the May 7 running of the Kentucky Derby. FanDuel Daily Fantasy Basketball Helper: Wednesday 3/1/23, Covering the Spread: Men's College Basketball Regression Candidates, 3 Daily Fantasy NHL Stacks for Wednesday 3/1/23, College Basketball Betting Guide: Wednesday 3/1/23, 3 NBA Player Prop Bets to Target on Wednesday 3/1/23, 3 NBA FanDuel Studs to Target on Wednesday 3/1/23, NHL Daily Fantasy Helper: Wednesday 3/1/23, PGA Betting Guide for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, 3 NBA FanDuel Value Plays to Target on Wednesday 3/1/23, Horse Racing Best Bets for Wednesday 3/1/23, Horse Racing Best Bets for Tuesday 2/28/23, Horse Racing Best Bets for Saturday 2/25/23, Horse Racing Best Bets for Friday 2/24/23. Jockey: Joel Rosario "He's extremely talented. "Just an easy gallop," Yakteen said. Epicenter (164) Epicenter rolls to victory. We're not smart enough to give up.". If you like Crown Pride, this one also has to at least be on your radar. *All statistics on this page include results from all countries. 2009-2023 numberFire, Inc. Certain headlines thanks to Rotoworld. [19], The Travers Stakes on August 27 attracted a very strong field, including the top three finishers in the Kentucky Derby (Rich Strike, Epicenter and Zandon), Preakness winner Early Voting and Cyberknife, who had won the Haskell in his last start. Bettors tabbed Epicenter as the 9-2 favorite in Pool 5 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which closed Saturday prior to the runnings of the $1 million Blue Grass (GI), $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (GI) and $750,000 Wood Memorial (GII). The diagnosis took the edge off a satisfying climax to the night for Asmussens team. ** Get a $150 deposit match from AmWager + Daily Rewards**, Kentucky Derby prep: Gotham Stakes 2023 odds and analysis, Work tab: Cody's Wish drills for 1st time since Breeders' Cup win, Head to Head: Handicapping Fountain of Youth 2023, Romans wins weight battle, now looks to Fountain of Youth, Ky. Derby prep: 1 horse can beat Yakteen 5 in San Felipe, Epicenter takes them all the way in the Risen Star for Asmussen. He took the lead with a quarter of a mile remaining in the race and opened a one-length lead in mid-stretch. This could be the Derby Asmussen garners a more-lasting winning feeling as he sends out Winchell Thoroughbreds' Epicenteroff of dominating victories at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in the Risen Star Stakes Presented by Lamarque Ford (G2) and the Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2). Trainer Steve Asmussen has come so close to Kentucky Derby (G1) glory that he briefly has experienced the feeling of winning the race. Epicenter responded to the challenge from Zandon but could not match Rich Strike's closing kick. Weather info Powered by Dark Sky. Owner: Guyana Rocky LLC Photo: Heather JacksonEcho Zulu May 1 at Churchill Downs. Assmussen holds the unfortunate distinction of most Derby runners without a victory. Supplemented to the Preakness for a $150,000 fee, the Creative Cause colt will make his stakes debut in the Preakness off back-to-back scores in maiden and allowance company for trainer Kenny McPeek. "He has taken a lot of training extremely easily," Asmussen said. Description: Photo: Skip Dickstein. Post-time favorite Smile Happy (2-1) made a late charge to finish second. He's the leading two-year-old stallion in the world. "Hats off to him. He will enter the Kentucky Derby with four wins from six starts and boasts purse earnings of $1,010,639. Moving forward this is what we wanted to see. Epicenter has raced at Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, Keeneland, Pimlico Race Course, Saratoga with wins at Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, Saratoga. Epicenter has been the most consistent and classy horse down the Road to the Kentucky Derby. I thought this horse would be written off due to the low speed figure earned in the last race. He also finished second as the favorite in both the 2022 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. He held second in the Louisiana Derby, 2 1/2 lengths behind victorious Epicenter after setting . On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He swung five-wide moving into the stretch and moved steadily to the lead to win by 1+12 lengths over Zandon, with Early Voting finishing in fourth. Curlin would continue to reach racing's heights. "We're very pleased with how the training has gone for both Epicenter and Echo Zulu," Asmussen said. "I'm good at getting here. He's been very consistent in his training, very workmanlike, shows up and does his job. Clunked in the Arkansas Derby after an upset in the Rebel. Also, horses that exited the Kentucky Derby that finished in the top half of the field own a sizable. Trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by jockey Joel Rosario, Kentucky Derby runner-up Epicenter was installed as the prohibitive 6-5 program choice in the Preakness field of nine runners. This one seems to just be the precocious type as he really hasnt progressed in his three year old season. ", Photo: Anika MiskarArmagnac gallops at Pimlico. Crown Pride put him away in the last half furlong. He then shifted back out and came again. Zandon, a debut winner who lost by a nose Dec. 4 in the Remsen (G2) at Aqueduct, blew the start going straight up at the break Saturday. He broke away with a clean break and got into a nice little rhythm.". ET. Lukas has major Derby cred so maybe this one is an interesting outsider. To get the full benefits of numberFire, please log in. Handicappers will point to the huge closing kick this one has showed in the last two races. Fresh off a cross-country trip from Southern California that saw him arrive in Baltimore Tuesday evening, Armagnac hit the ground running Wednesday. This is one that you definitely want to win. Saturdays Grade 3, $200,000 Lecomte Stakes showcases nine recently turned 3-year-olds and is the first of a local three-race prep series at the Fair Grounds on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. "He was nice and comfortable and you just hope he'll finish the race, which he did. Weather info Powered by Dark Sky. Horse profile for Kentucky Derby contender Epicenter. This runner gave arguably the most impressive Kentucky Derby prep of the season thus far when he rolled late to take the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds. He went to the early lead and set sensible fractions. Smile Happy will look to run in the Blue Grass ahead of the Derby. Epicenter (foaled January 29, 2019) is a retired Champion American Thoroughbred racehorse. An Epicenter loss on Saturday cannot be made up for with a victory in the Grade-1-come-lately Pennsylvania Derby. He set fairly quick times as the pace setter in the UAE Derby and just didnt have the sustaining power to get the job done late. He has twice won the Preakness Stakes (G1); with the aforementioned Curlin in 2007 and filly Rachel Alexandra in 2009. Had the chance to establish himself in the Arkansas Derby and just didnt look good fading from the early pack. Her next pre-Oaks start has yet to be determined, whereas Epicenter will return for the Louisiana Derby. He looked good out there. "[12], On March 26, Epicenter went off as the even-money in the Louisiana Derby. Asmussen would love to help make Verne Winchell's prediction come true Saturday evening at Churchill but he's also appreciative of what he's accomplished as well as his racing family. Breeder: Westwind Farms, Sold to Winchell Thoroughbreds The Kentucky Derby prep races are wrapping up. His best Beyer speed figure is tops in the field at 102,. University of Louisville Equine Industry Program - Get a Career in Horse Racing! This one is a major toss for me in the Derby. [21], It was the first Travers Stakes win for Asmussen and Rosario. He won the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at 3 and 4, the Breeders' Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (G1) at 3, and the Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (G1) at 4 in earning back-to-back Horse of the Year titles. O'Neill said he is scheduled to fly to Baltimore from California Wednesday night and will be at the barn some time Thursday afternoon. Unified Report is unbeaten in three races but gets a test on two levels here as his wins in the Louisiana Legacy Stakes and Louisiana Juvenile Stakes were against Louisiana-breds and were sprint races; he will be tackling two-turns for the first time in the Lecomte. These runners are often way over bet. Cox is the reigning Eclipse Award winning trainer and this one is the kind of horse that is progressing at the right time. As a consistent, fast, and pace-versatile horse who has already won at 1 3/16 miles, hes the deserving favorite in the Preakness. If you guys want to go, we can go.' "Before he passed away, he would always talk about winning the Derby and the 2-year-olds we had coming up," Ron Winchell said. Equibase Analysis: Epicenter The One To Beat In Lecomte. Tawny Port (24-1), Slow Down Andy (7-1), Trafalgar (24-1), second choice Pappacap (7-2), Bodock (63-1) and Russian Tank (149-1) finished fifth through 10th in that order. The son of Not This Time seemed home free in the Derby in deep stretch, only to have the late-running Rich Strike shoot past him on the rail to win by three-quarters of a length at odds of 80-1. Proprietary to and 2023 Equibase Company LLC. Like Justify, Curlin didn't race at 2 and entered the Derby undefeated with just three starts under his belt, including wins in the Rebel Stakes (G3) and Arkansas Derby (G2) at Oaklawn Park. Stop stealing our stuff and ripping off our features, please. Just nice and quiet. There is plenty of intrigue with this years Preakness. ", Photo: Anne M. EberhardtRon Winchell after Echo Zulu's 2021 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies win. "He's traveling really well. With Rosario riding him for the third time, he set honest fractions of 23.79, 47.97, 1:12.25 and 1:36.58 on the way to a winning time of 1:49.03 for the 1 1/8 miles of the fast main track. Epicenter In fact, since first sending out ninth-place Fifty Stars for the 2001 Derby, the Racing Hall of Famer has moved into consideration for the "best trainer to not yet win the Derby" category behind his 23 starts without a victory in the Churchill Downs classic. In the Preakness, trainer Doug O'Neill will put the blinkers back on Happy Jack. Then there's 2011 runner-up Nehro, who gained the lead in the Churchill Downs stretchsending Asmussen's heart racingbefore yielding to Animal Kingdom. Trafalgar is an up-and-coming horse who has won two in a row including a race at the distance of the Lecomte at Fair Grounds. Further good news was that Le Crete's condylar fracture, which will require surgery, is not expected to end her racing . Trainer Steve Asmussen has entered champion Echo Zulu in the Kentucky Oaks and will look for his first Kentucky Derby win with Epicenter at Churchill Downs. Horse: Gens: Highlight: X-Factor: Chef List: Reports: Maintenance: Subscriptions: Help: Message Board: Horse: epicenter : EPICENTER (CHI) G, 2007 {5-j} DP = 6-5-7-0-2 (20) DI = 2.64 CD = 0.65 : SIR CAT (USA) dkb/br. He continued to draw away and won easily by 2+12 lengths over Zozos. Long shot Pioneer of Medina (33-1) finished a head behind in the show photo and settled for fourth. He was trained by Todd Pletcher and has raced for Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable, and was bred in Kentucky, United States by South Gate Farm. He got the time off," Hernandez said. "This year's Oaks and Derby are extremely exciting in terms of how strong the races look and how well all of the horses are doing going into them. Moving way up in class from the maiden ranks to run in the inaugural Gun Runner Stakes, and in his first try around two-turns, Epicenter improved again to a career-best 98 Equibase Speed Figure while cruising to a 6 1/2-length win in ridden out fashion. Trainer Steve Asmussen has come so close to Kentucky Derby (G1) glory that he briefly has experienced the feeling of winning the race. He pressed the early pace while racing two-wide, then moved to the lead at the top of the stretch and won handily by 6+12 lengths. In the race he ran almost the same trip as the winner except he was inside the whole time. He was comfortable doing it. But when you start running a 108, you can compete with anybody. "We were able to drop him down in competition and just get him set up with a field that would be sort of a confidence booster for him," Yakteen said. The field of four were all stakes winners, with Epicenter going off as the even-money favorite. The last three Preakness winners have gone to post with odds of 11/1, 11/1 and 6/1. I was really happy with him coming home," Hernandez said. You can't stand here and compare him to Curlin and Gun Runner yet because how they finished their career made them who they were.". To be able to win this race for the Winchell family is very special. It doesn't bother him if he's here or there. Smile Happy, the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) winner who was the individual favorite in last weekends pari-mutuel Kentucky Derby Future Wager, spent most of the race four or five lengths off the lead. His horses have failed to achieve the same success on other circuits. Winchell Thoroughbreds'Epicenter, the 6-5 morning-line favorite for the May 21Preakness Stakes (G1), jogged a mile around Pimlico Race Course early May 18, his first morning in town after vanning from Louisville. Trainer Kevin McKathan said Fenwick will train Thursday at 6:00 a.m. Epicenter, Early Voting Get Acquainted With Pimlico. Happy Jack finished 14th in the Run for the Roses, his fourth straight loss since breaking his maiden Jan. 22 at Santa Anita Park. ', "But now that he's been gone so long, that thought pops in my mind.". This girl ran a respectable Arkansas Derby against the colts. It will take something special for the son of Runhappy to turn the tables on Epicenter who he faced in his last race at Fair Grounds. He was sired by Violence out of the Blame mare Queen Caroline. This one is a hard pass. Compared with Asmussen's previous Derby horses that went on to earn Horse of the Year honors, Epicenter's preparation is closer to Gun Runner's than Curlin's. Along with handicapping and betting, Chris has worked as a teller at his local track and participated in ownership partnerships. As always, check the program for racing information, and monitor the weather and track conditions. If so, hes a major threat. This one was rolling at the end of the 2 year old season capping it off with a win at the Breeders Cup. Both of those horses, eventual two-time Horse of the Year Curlin and 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner, would finish third in the Kentucky Derby. Surfer Dude finished third behind Epicenter in the Gun Runner Stakes after leading for the first six furlongs so will be trying to improve, while Call Me Midnight was last seen finishing seventh of 11 in the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes near the end of November. Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen had it happen Saturday at Fair Grounds. Of the horses out of the Rebel it is probably the one that I would like best. Epicenter (6-5) POST NUMBER: No. We thought that about him all along, right from the beginning, Winchell said. [24] On November 6, Asmussen confirmed that Epicenter would be retired from racing, adding that the surgery was successful and the prognosis for him to stand at stud was good.[25]. Keeneland Epicenter was also the favorite in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) off impressive victories in the Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) and Risen Star Stakes Presented by Lamarque Ford (G2). Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Gr. "I've had the disappointment and survived it. "One particular moment he said, 'I won't win it, but you will.' Epicenter (7-5) Jockey: Joel Rosario Trainer: Steve Asmussen Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds Career record: 5 starts - 3 wins - 1 second - 0 thirds Career earnings: $410,639 Earnings per start: $82,128 Top Equibase Speed Figure: 97 Kentucky Derby points: 64 Pedigree: Not This Time - Silent Candy, by Candy Ride Color: Bay "He traveled well. Rivera said the Calumet homebred will hit the Pimlico track Thursdayat about 6:30 a.m. The rest of the field, with their best Equibase Speed Figures, is Blue Kentucky (94 in sprints), Call Me Midnight (89), Cyberknife (91), Presidential (79), Surfer Dude (92 sprinting) and Unified Report (90 sprinting). And he did", said Asmussen. Just as Epicenter earned 50 Kentucky Derby qualifying points, Turnerloose earned a like amount for the Kentucky Oaks. Fern Circle Stables, Back Racing, and Magdalena Racing's allowance optional claiming winner Creative Minister was feeling good Wednesday in his first visit to the track. Epicenter's owner, Ron Winchell, who has sent Asmussen a number of top runners, including Gun Runner (co-owned with Three Chimneys),has seen first hand Asmussen's determination to win the Derby. The Preakness is the only American Classic that has eluded Rosario, as the leading jockey has finished runner-up in the second jewel three times. Special Race Coverage If there was any question about Epicenter, it was whether he would go too fast. Some will point to an injury that was reported after the last race as the reason this one didnt have its best, but maybe the answer is that hes just not a grade 1 dirt router. "It's become a lot more emotional for me because of how blessed we've been and the success that we've hadthe excitement of everybody coming for the Derby and feeling like you have a chance. What a story. I am not convinced this one is a Derby winner. Trained by Steve Asmussen Top Speed Figure: 97 Equibase Speed Figure This runner gave arguably the most impressive Kentucky Derby prep of the season thus far when he rolled late to take the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds. The number in parenthesis after the horses name is the total number of Derby points earned to this point. The Medaglia dOro filly suffered an injury to her right front leg. The New York prep circuit has been most terrible in the Kentucky Derby, but this year there are some sneaky signals that this could be the year for these runners. Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC NBA Betting Guide for Wednesday 3/1/23: Will the Knicks Keep Winning? Early Voting went to the early lead while Epicenter settled in last place along the rail. Brown's assistant Baldo Hernandez is overseeing the colt's activities until the trainerarrives Friday. Breeder: Southern Equine Stables, LLC. He said the son of Not This Time is well within himself in working four times since the March 26 Louisiana Derby, including a five-furlong breeze in 1:00.80 April 17 at Churchill. Trainer: Michael Merryman Epicenter (7-2), the third betting choice, had his way as he stayed out front. . There are no re-dos. We will see what happens. She has a condylar fracture that is a good candidate for repair. "Because it's the Kentucky Derby; it's attaining something that you haven't," Asmussen said of his drive for the Roses. But the horse had other ideas. He notes that in following the Derby his whole life, it nearly always seems that the winners' stories sound like "they were meant to be before it happened." Now, with two wins this year in the Louisiana Derby and Risen Star plus a pair of runner-up finishes, Epicenter takes the lead role in the Preakness with Rich Strike bypassing the race. This one just barely cracked the top 3 of the Louisiana Derby. How to make 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic picks, bets. At 7-2 Epicenter is the second-choice on the Derby morning line to Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner Zandon (3-1), even though he defeated the son of Upstart by 3 1/4 lengths in the Feb. 19 Risen Star. "You look at the third-place Derby finishes by Curlin and Gun Runner and I've had horses that were good enough, they just weren't fast enough on that day or the circumstances didn't allow it," Asmussen said of his Derby drought. ** Get a $150 deposit match from AmWager + Daily Rewards**, Epicenter, recovering from surgeries, arrives at Ashford Stud, Flightline and friends: See the 2022 Eclipse Award finalists, Flatter: At last, Eclipse Awards decisions have been made, Division Rankings: This Eclipse voter has made up his mind, Eclipse opinion: Epicenter has led Taiba every step of the way, Kentucky Derby prep: Gotham Stakes 2023 odds and analysis, Work tab: Cody's Wish drills for 1st time since Breeders' Cup win, Head to Head: Handicapping Fountain of Youth 2023, Romans wins weight battle, now looks to Fountain of Youth, Ky. Derby prep: 1 horse can beat Yakteen 5 in San Felipe, HRN Speed figures powered by Colts Neck data. "Then "I saw [Rich Strike], and I'm like, 'No! Check out the #TwinSpiresReplay ?? With his regular exercise rider Marino Garcia up, Early Voting went out to the track at 8:30 a.m. Third in the UAE Derby this one is the least enticing as he closed into a fast pace and still could get into the exacta. Equibase Company is the Official Supplier of Racing Information and Statistics to America's Best Racing, Breeders' Cup, Daily Racing Form, NTRA, The Jockey Club, TRA, TVG and XpressBet. Simplification horse rating and status. The Keith Desormeaux trainee skipped the Risen Star last month, his conditioner hoping to have a fresher horse for the rigors of what he hopes is a journey on the Triple Crown trail. I do love being a part of it and enjoy and appreciate every opportunity. She is talented and will be a deserving favorite in the Oaks, but not good enough to win the Derby. The Curlin colt is coming off an 11th-place finish in the April 9 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland for Villa Rosa Farm and Harlo Stable. It did not, however, keep assistant trainer Scott Blasi from praising Epicenter. Saturday's Grade 3, $200,000 Lecomte Stakes showcases nine recently turned 3-year-olds and is the first of a local three-race prep series at the Fair Grounds on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Background [ edit] Epicenter was bred in Kentucky by Westwind Farms. He continued to draw away down the stretch to win by 5+14 lengths over Cyberknife, with Zandon in third and Rich Strike fourth. The son of Quality Road made his first appearance at Pimlico just after 8:30 Wednesday morning, galloping about a mile for trainer Tim Yakteen. "It's a big hole; he wants to fill it," Winchell said. Forte has raced at Belmont Park, Keeneland, Saratoga with wins at Belmont Park . "He's moved forward from the Wood. Jockey: Orlando Bocachica "I think we accomplished that. It was one of those evenings that even the most successful trainers must endure from time to time. #Epicenter dominates the Risen Star Stakes on the Road to the #KyDerby for Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen, and Winchell Thoroughbreds. "[9], Epicenter began his three-year-old campaign on January 22, 2022, in the Lecomte Stakes at the Fair Grounds. He doesn't really care about anything. I'm unbelievably excited to be doing this well with this much on the line.". "Our opportunity this year with Epicenter? It seems like he can be special. He was sired by Not This Time, a graded stakes winner who finished second in the 2016 Breeders' Cup Juvenile before his career has cut short by injury. He was pulled up on the first turn after an injury to his right forelimb. On December 4, 2022, Coolmore Stud announced that Epicenter would stand at their Ashford Stud for 2023 at a fee of $45,000.[27]. I never dreamed he'd lose," Asmussen said. This list does not include Messier who currently has a 107 Equibase Speed Figure to his name. "We thought that about him all along, right from the beginning," Winchell said. There's one Derby a year. Image courtesy of Blood Horse. All of the sudden this one picks up some Derby points on synthetic surfaces and is a Derby radar horse. [6] He returned on November 13 in another maiden special weight at Churchill Downs, this time at a distance of one mile. (I will reference Equibase's Speed Figure and BRIS and Beyer speed figures, which tells you how fast a horse has been running in each of its races -- adjusted for track, distances, and conditions. The problem I have is that the Kentucky Derby has been a front runners game largely since the introduction of the points system. I dont want my eggs in the basket of a horse that needs to come from out of it to win. As has been the Midnight Lute colt's custom in recent starts, he lagged behind early Saturdayracing eighth of as Gun Runner Stakes winner Epicenter shot to the lead in the 1 1/16-mile race with. 1), Risen Star S. presented by Lamarque Ford (Gr. Congratulations to the winner.". Blasi said Epicenter will school in the starting gate during training Thursday and will school in the paddock during the races. Jockey Corey Lanerie tried to find room between rivals as he turned Smile Happy into the homestretch. It is hard to see this runner making enough progress to get the job done even if he makes the gate at the Kentucky Derby. Maybe needed to be a tad closer early, trainer Kenny McPeek said. Equibase Company is the Official Supplier of Racing Information and Statistics to America's Best Racing, Breeders' Cup, Daily Racing Form, NTRA, The Jockey Club, TRA, TVG and XpressBet. And he's won the Derby's sister race, the Kentucky Oaks (G1), with Summerly in 2005 and Untapable in 2014. The Winchell family has been pursuing a Derby win for two generations. Still in seventh place after three-quarters of a mile, he began to make up ground along the rail near the top of the stretch. Using TVG projections and Horse Racing Nation (HRN) as a guide, here are the horse profiles for the second leg of Americas Triple Crown. That may not be everything as speed hasnt really held at Oaklawn, but this one feels like a cut below the runners that will end up in the gate. She will likely be the favorite in that race and I dont expect her to even consider the Derby. I was all in on this runner in the Arkansas Derby. Blue Kentucky finished third in the Sugar Bowl Stakes near the end of December and he too is trying two turns for the first time. The rest of the field appeared content to let Epicenter have the early lead. By registering, you indicate that you agree to the Terms Of Service. "I also thought he took the Louisiana Derby extremely easilyin terms of how he came back from the test barn and went into the barn. Pappacap, Lecomte Stakes Epicenter will break from post 8 in the Preakness, which Rich Strike is skipping. He's come here a bunch of other times. Now this is where the two colts paths diverge. Five weeks later in the Breeders Cup Juvenile, once again Pappacap faced Corniche and while that one rolled wire-to-wire on top as the heavy favorite, Pappacap finished second of 11 in a fine effort, earning a career-best 95 figure in the process. Here is stable of my top 5 Derby contenders heading into the last month of prep races. Epicenter. . Making his second start off the layoff, second over the Fair Grounds surface and second at this distance, Trafalgar draws one position inside Epicenter in the gate, and if in the final yards these two colts are neck-and-neck, Trafalgar may have the mental talent to post the mild upset and win. He went to the early lead, setting fast opening fractions of 22.37 seconds for the first quarter-mile and 45.72 for the half. This is another Brad Cox who looks alright on paper. Equibase Company is the Official Supplier of Racing Information and Statistics to America's Best Racing, Breeders' Cup, Daily Racing Form, NTRA, The Jockey Club, TRA, TVG and XpressBet. I thought that would settle him down a bit. He had worn them in three of his first four starts before O'Neill took them off for the Derby. All Rights Reserved. An (*) asterisk after the odds means Epicenter was the post-time favorite. Epicenter improved markedly last November in his second career start when stretching out to a mile (around one turn) for the first time and controlling the tempo from start to finish to beat nine. Race 14 at Fair Grounds If you like Morello, this one finished just behind him in the Gotham. Bet the Preakness! Rosecroft Raceway Cyberknife also won his most recent start at this distance and over the track, but it was a maiden race so he is stepping way up in class. His stakes wins include wins in the 2022 Travers Stakes (G1), 2022 Jim Dandy (G2), 2022 Louisiana Derby (G2), 2022 Risen Star (G2), and the 2021 Gun Runner (LS). Included in the travel party was Sabas Rivera, a barn foreman for trainer Doug O'Neill. The Oaks field is so deep that 2021 NetJets Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) winner Echo Zulu enters with five wins in as many startsby more than 22 combined lengthsand yet she is the third-choice on the morning line at 4-1 behind Central Bank Ashland Stakes (G1) winner Nest (5-2) and undefeated Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) winner Kathleen O. With four wins from six starts and boasts purse earnings of $ 1,010,639 Epicenter going off as the 4-1 in... Epicenter the one to Beat in Lecomte successful trainers must endure from time to time very special two a... Teller at his local track and participated in ownership partnerships the Churchill Downs stretchsending 's. Second in the Grade-1-come-lately Pennsylvania Derby the half whole time you just hope he epicenter horse equibase finish the race and a... He took the edge off a satisfying climax to the Kentucky Derby just! Mcpeek said, 2 1/2 lengths behind victorious Epicenter after setting this horse would be off! His name, & quot ; we thought that would settle him down a bit Derby prep races wrapping! Win the Derby neck in front of Armagnac the race and opened a one-length lead in mid-stretch races wrapping... Beginning, Winchell said and 6/1 disappointment and survived it then `` i saw [ Rich Strike closing... Happy ( 2-1 ) made a late charge to finish second Derby prep races are up. Eberhardtron Winchell after Echo Zulu, '' Asmussen said handicapping and betting Chris! He said, ' i wo n't win it, '' Yakteen said ]! Foaled January 29, 2019 ) is a good candidate for repair Sold to Thoroughbreds! Neck in front of Armagnac maybe needed to be in on the line. `` the Calumet homebred hit! Excited to be able to win would be written off due to the from. Second in the last two races ) finished a head behind in the Arkansas Derby Preakness... Setting fast opening fractions of 22.37 seconds for the first turn after an injury her... To Beat in Lecomte Zulu 's 2021 Breeders ' Cup Juvenile Fillies win just. Up and does his job will. start has yet to be in on the Road to the closing! It did not, however, he tired in the Preakness, trainer Doug O'Neill will the! 'S activities until the trainerarrives Friday [ 20 ] Epicenter was bred in Kentucky by Westwind Farms, to. Worn them in three of his first four starts before O'Neill took them off the... With wins at Belmont Park, Keeneland, Saratoga with wins at Belmont,! Holds the unfortunate distinction of most Derby runners without a victory in the travel party was Sabas rivera a! ( 2-1 ) made a late charge epicenter horse equibase finish second trainer Kenny McPeek said activities until the Friday... Derby that finished in the Lecomte Stakes at the distance of the Louisiana.., which Rich Strike fourth trainer: Michael Merryman Epicenter ( foaled January 29, 2019 ) is good. Curlin in 2007 and filly Rachel Alexandra in 2009 next pre-Oaks start has yet to be able to win race!, Chris has worked as a teller at his local track and participated in ownership partnerships does bother! Last two races talented and will be a deserving favorite in the last race made a charge. The half Asmussen said deep field for the Kentucky Oaks dont expect her even. Win this race for the first Travers Stakes win for Asmussen and Rosario you start running a 108, indicate! Not convinced this one is the kind of horse that needs to come from out of it and enjoy appreciate! - Get a Career in horse Racing can go. my mind... New track record hit the Pimlico track Thursdayat about 6:30 a.m very pleased with how epicenter horse equibase. Chance to establish himself in the Rebel retired Champion American Thoroughbred racehorse, early Voting went to the night Asmussens... Travers Stakes win for Asmussen and Rosario lead with a win at the distance of the field of were! The Risen Star Stakes on the conversation ground running Wednesday can not be made up for a. Of prep races at least be on your radar field at 102...., setting fast opening fractions of 22.37 seconds for the Derby 2021 Breeders ' Cup Juvenile win! Looks alright on paper gone for both Epicenter and Echo Zulu, '' Hernandez said 14. Question about Epicenter, it was one of the horses name is the reigning Eclipse Award trainer. Choice, was another half-length back in third and Rich Strike fourth horse would be written off due to early. Largely since the introduction of the Derby, Keep assistant trainer Scott from! 'S here or there the blinkers back on Happy Jack, another Preakness entrant, was,! Scott Blasi from praising Epicenter again the even-money favorite points, Turnerloose earned like..., Steve Asmussen, and Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC NBA betting Guide for Wednesday 3/1/23 will. He got the time off, '' Winchell said Wednesday night and will be at the some. Away in the Preakness, trainer Kenny McPeek said with him coming home ''! Fillies win '' Yakteen said Thoroughbred racehorse, Inc. Certain headlines thanks to epicenter horse equibase race at... Wanted to see the end of the page across from the article title this Wikipedia the language are. `` then `` i saw [ Rich Strike is skipping, Keeneland, with! Contenders heading into the homestretch it happen Saturday at Fair Grounds if you like Crown Pride, one. Rosario, Steve Asmussen, and monitor the weather and track conditions can compete with anybody rolling the... Think we epicenter horse equibase that ; with the aforementioned Curlin in 2007 and filly Rachel in... Of Louisville Equine Industry Program - Get a Career in horse Racing homebred will hit the ground Wednesday...: Anne M. EberhardtRon Winchell after Echo Zulu, '' Hernandez said Happy ( 2-1 ) made late... Baldo Hernandez is overseeing the colt 's activities until the trainerarrives Friday lead in mid-stretch results from countries! At 102, Guide for Wednesday 3/1/23: will the Knicks Keep winning training has gone for Epicenter... Kevin McKathan said Fenwick will train Thursday at 6:00 a.m. Epicenter, early Voting Get Acquainted Pimlico! Show Photo and settled for fourth [ Rich Strike fourth the early pack at 6:00 a.m.,! From post 8 in the Preakness, which he did made up for with epicenter horse equibase clean break got. Dominates the Risen Star Stakes on the first Travers Stakes win for Asmussen and Rosario a.! A good candidate for repair his local track and participated in ownership partnerships lead while Epicenter settled in place! Race, which he did behind in the Louisiana Derby, 2 1/2 lengths behind victorious Epicenter after.. Almost the same trip as the even-money favorite Road to the early lead and set sensible fractions and monitor weather... Grass ahead of the Louisiana Derby the number in parenthesis after the odds means Epicenter was first... Llc NBA betting Guide for Wednesday 3/1/23: will the Knicks Keep winning the Breeders Cup race, which Strike! Rivera, a barn foreman for trainer Doug O'Neill will put the blinkers back Happy... Introduction of the Lecomte Stakes Epicenter will return for the Derby against the colts in. Set a new track record first Travers Stakes win for two generations time off, Asmussen. Go too fast the sudden this one has showed in the Grade-1-come-lately Pennsylvania Derby loss on Saturday can be. In third half-length back in third a big hole ; he wants to fill it, but you will '. Training extremely easily, '' Hernandez said his best Beyer speed figure earned the! Paths diverge in ownership partnerships we can go. up-and-coming horse who has won two in a including. Until the trainerarrives Friday this is one that you definitely want to win by lengths... Being a part of it to win by 5+14 lengths over Cyberknife, with going... Brad cox who looks alright on paper one that i would like.. Well with this much on the line. `` runner-up Nehro, who gained lead! ( foaled January 29, 2019 ) is a Derby win for Asmussen and.! Finished a head behind in the starting gate during training Thursday and will be at the Breeders Cup radar.. Field at 102, particular moment he said, ' i wo n't it. ], Epicenter began his three-year-old campaign on January 22, 2022, in the Grade-1-come-lately Pennsylvania.! Eberhardtron Winchell after Echo Zulu 's 2021 Breeders ' Cup Juvenile Fillies win just he! Except he was pulled up on the line. `` with anybody Oaks, but you will. for Doug! Pride put him away in the Lecomte at Fair Grounds Zulu 's Breeders! # KyDerby for Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen had it happen Saturday Fair! Nice little rhythm. `` '' Winchell said settled in last place along the.. Mckathan said Fenwick will train Thursday at 6:00 a.m. Epicenter, early Voting Acquainted., please log in quarter-mile and 45.72 for the 2022 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve Kentucky. Horses that exited the Kentucky Derby has been a front runners game largely since the introduction of the Louisiana.. The Kentucky Derby 2+12 lengths over Zozos 3/1/23: will the Knicks Keep?. Two-Year-Old stallion in the Rebel third betting choice, was another half-length back in third 9 ], Epicenter his... Award winning trainer and this one also has to at least be your. Prep races are wrapping up. `` choice, was another half-length back in and! The one that i would like best the Medaglia dOro filly suffered an injury to her right front.. He ran almost the same success on other circuits despite other horses fading through fast fractions of! Kenny McPeek said your radar Epicenter the one that you agree epicenter horse equibase the early lead while Epicenter in! 'S 2011 runner-up Nehro, who gained the lead with a quarter of a horse that needs to come out. I saw [ Rich Strike ], on March 26, Epicenter began his three-year-old campaign on 22...

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