[11] "It was a little different than his last race, as every fraction was perfect for him," said Winchell. If ever there was a Derby Fever horse this might be the one. Image courtesy of Blood Horse. Asmussen loves the natural talent of Epicenter, noting that if you only looked at numbers, you'd think Epicenter was training harder than some of his previous Derby contenders. [3] His dam, Silent Candy, is a stakes-winning daughter of Giant's Causeway. The odds may reflect a season debut in which Echo Zulu experienced the first close race of her career, holding off Kentucky Oaks rival Hidden Connection by a nose in the Twinspires.com Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) March 26. It was one of those evenings that even the most successful trainers must endure from time to time. Given the poor performance of Simplification in Arkansas this weekend, this one is probably a fade. 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. Background [ edit] Epicenter was bred in Kentucky by Westwind Farms. Epicenter Epicenter has raced at Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, Keeneland, Pimlico Race Course, Saratoga with wins at Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, Saratoga. In his second career start, also in a one-turn mile last fall, Trafalgar improved markedly, rallying from ninth of 10 to draw off late and earn a career-best figure, in this case an 88. 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. 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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. All Rights Reserved. Owner: Vivian E. Rall He was squeezed back at the break and settled near the back of the pack. McPeek, who won the COVID-delayed 2020 Preakness with the filly Swiss Skydiver over Kentucky Derby winner and eventual Horse of the Year Authentic, is scheduled to be at Pimlico Thursday morning. 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). I thought that would settle him down a bit. This one is a Derby pass for me. Armagnac Entersoff Confidence-Builder 2022 PREAKNESS STAKES BETTING PROFILES TOP CONTENDERS. Early Voting Gallops Lukas has major Derby cred so maybe this one is an interesting outsider. He seemed to be put together like a Derby horse. It seems like his energy level is good," said Scott Blasi, assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen, who left the track early to watch horses work at The Midlantic Sale, Fasig-Tipton's 2-year-olds in training sale at Timonium. It was the best performance of his five-race career. Horses from Japan have proven that they deserve to be in on the conversation. 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. 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. Nevertheless this horse had a really weird trip and still won convincingly at Oaklawn Park. Leading the Lecomte field is Epicenter, winner of the Gun Runner Stakes on Dec. 26, a newly anointed Road to the Derby race in which he earned 10 points, which could be significant later in the season. The Risen Star was the most legitimate field he faced and he was a far cry from winning that race finishing 6th. When he was caught by Call Me Midnight at the wire last month in the Lecomte (G3), he went out in 23.40 and 47.01. "He is taking a little siesta. Epicenter will break from post 8 in the Preakness, which Rich Strike is skipping. I really like that this one is already at Churchill and getting familiar with the surroundings and the track surface. Trainer Kevin McKathan said Fenwick will train Thursday at 6:00 a.m. Epicenter, Early Voting Get Acquainted With Pimlico. "Hats off to him. ", Photo: Anne M. EberhardtRon Winchell after Echo Zulu's 2021 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies win. "The only way I can explain it is, it just wasn't meant to be," Blasi said, adding of the torrid pace that included the first-quarter mile in a Derby-record :21.78, "I don't think anybody saw those fractions coming the first three-quarters of a mile of the race. Epicenter (7-2), the third betting choice, had his way as he stayed out front. "It's a big hole; he wants to fill it," Winchell said. This girl ran a respectable Arkansas Derby against the colts. All Rights Reserved. He saved ground around the first turn then shifted out around the final turn as he started to make up ground. Follow all of the races in the month-long lead up to the Kentucky Derby with the Betting News free handicapping tools. Upsets by Rick Strike, Zandon or Early Voting would go a long way in solidifying their aspirations. Early Voting (102) Epicenter (100) Creative Minister (98) Epicenter (100) Creative Minister (98) 1:54.54: 5/7/22: 4th (98) CD 1 1/4M: Dirt-Fast: 2022 Kentucky . That's why his training and his works since have been faster and stronger.". In 2022 he won the Risen Star, Louisiana Derby, Jim Dandy and Travers Stakes. Epicenter responded to the challenge from Zandon but could not match Rich Strike's closing kick. He's the leading two-year-old stallion in the world. Post time at 7:01 p.m. Blasi said Epicenter will school in the starting gate during training Thursday and will school in the paddock during the races. 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. Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen had it happen Saturday at Fair Grounds. 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. Demling just locked in his picks for Flightline, Taiba, Epicenter and every horse in the 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic field. ", Photo: Anne M. EberhardtHappy Jack settles in at Pimlico. Epicenter is a 4 year old colt that was born in 2019 and retired -> race from 2021 to 2022. He walked onto the equine ambulance and was transported to nearby Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital for further evaluation. His time of 1:54.38 for 1+316 miles set a new track record. He broke slowly so jockey Joel Rosario moved him to the inside where he rated in third place. Trainer Steve Asmussen has come so close to Kentucky Derby (G1) glory that he briefly has experienced the feeling of winning the race. Brown's assistant Baldo Hernandez is overseeing the colt's activities until the trainerarrives Friday. As always, check the program for racing information, and monitor the weather and track conditions. Win contenders, in preference/probability order: Epicenter has been the most consistent and classy horse down the Road to the Kentucky Derby. How to make 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic picks, bets. 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. Since the race was worth 50-20-10-5 points to the top four finishers, Epicenter probably is qualified for the Kentucky Derby, a goal that owner Ron Winchell had in mind from the day he paid $260,000 to buy the Not This Time colt as a yearling. Weather info Powered by Dark Sky. Notes: Jockey Corey Lanerie tried to find room between rivals as he turned Smile Happy into the homestretch. 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. We're not smart enough to give up.". 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. 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. To get the full benefits of numberFire, please sign up. The problem is that this one ran second to Epicenter in the last race. Zandon (7-2), the publics fourth choice, was another half-length back in third. The Medaglia dOro filly suffered an injury to her right front leg. Meanwhile, Early Voting tracked the early pace set by Armagnac and moved to the lead entering the stretch, pulling well clear with an eighth of a mile remaining. Here is stable of my top 5 Derby contenders heading into the last month of prep races. O'Neill said he is scheduled to fly to Baltimore from California Wednesday night and will be at the barn some time Thursday afternoon. That's not to say Asmussen hasn't enjoyed plenty of spring success. Imean, the (Equibase) speed figure did everything for me (after his May 7 allowance victory). Proprietary to and 2023 Equibase Company LLC. Chris first got introduced to horse racing in 2009 at Canterbury Park (Shakopee, MN). The three horses were transferred to the former assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert while that conditioner serves a regulatory suspension for the post-race betamethasone positive of Medina Spirit in the 2021 Kentucky Derby. "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. "He was nice and comfortable and you just hope he'll finish the race, which he did. 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. ', "But now that he's been gone so long, that thought pops in my mind.". *All statistics on this page include results from all countries. I'm unbelievably excited to be doing this well with this much on the line.". "I thought she won the Fair Grounds Oaks on natural ability and class," said Asmussen, adding that he's been pleased with her works and wants her razor sharp for Friday. In the meantime, exercise rider Danny Ramsey oversaw Creative Minister's first day of training at Pimlico after vanning from Louisville on Tuesday. The Kentucky Derby prep races are wrapping up. "He ran that incredible race in the allowance, and Kenny said, 'This horse has as much talent as my other stakes horses. Equibase Analysis: Epicenter The One To Beat In Lecomte. Epicenter enters with four wins in six starts with half those efforts at 2 and half at 3. I gallop him at Churchill, and he's jumping around and feeling good. Some horses may pass on the Derby which could then draw in horses from further down the list. Breeder: Winchell Farms Trainer: Steve Asmussen Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC Record: 6-4-1-0 She will likely be the favorite in that race and I dont expect her to even consider the Derby. He is a good shipper. "Then "I saw [Rich Strike], and I'm like, 'No! Didn't happen To be honest with you, it's over. He now enjoys sharing his passion with his wife and two young daughters who love going out to the track each and every summer. [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]. Gulfstream Park He's not going to beat us.' Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Gr. "[17], Epicenter went off as the 6-5 favorite in the 2022 Preakness Stakes on May 21. 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. Which horses should you bet on at TVG? With a handful of preps and several workouts left before the first Saturday in may, any picks at this point should be done strictly for editorial purposes with the ability to pivot on the day as the picture becomes more clear. Epicenter (left) prepares to head to the track at Pimlico Race Course Winchell Thoroughbreds' Epicenter , the 6-5 morning-line favorite for the May 21 Preakness Stakes (G1), jogged a mile around Pimlico Race Course early May 18, his first morning in town after vanning from Louisville. [8], "To be able to win the inaugural running of the Gun Runner today is special for us," said Scott Blasi, Asmussen's assistant trainer. Other Top Tracks, Equibase Analysis: Epicenter The One To Beat In Lecomte, First Winner For Late Stallion Effinex Comes At Saratoga, Vanzzy Rises To The Occasion In Jersey Derby, Voss: Im Worried About The Lone Racing Veterinarian In The Classroom, Imprimus Earns Breeders Cup Turf Sprint Berth With Hard-Fought Victory At Kentucky Downs, Turfway Holiday Meet In The Mix As Churchill Trainers, Jockeys Make Winter Plans, Jockey Robbie Dunne Appeals 18-Month Bullying Ban. The decision to ship to Baltimore came after the allowance score. The following horses have earned Kentucky Derby points. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. If you're in the business, this is a race you want to win. [2] Winchell and Asmussen had previously combined forces with champions Untapable and Gun Runner. The Derby was the first race for the colt outside of California. In fact, an upset by Cyberknife could clinch the three-year-old championship. In the weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby, players would be wise to follow the narrative on this runner to decide if hes continuing the progression. He hopes this is the year he finds out what it's like to enter the Derby winner's circle. The problem I have is that the Kentucky Derby has been a front runners game largely since the introduction of the points system. After a mediocre fourth place finish in the Del Mar Futurity last summer, trainer Mark Casse did not give up on Pappacap and entered him in a two-turn race for the first time in the American Pharoah Stakes. Find everything you need to know about horse racing at Equibase.com. Before he gets to Saturday, Asmussen will have a chance at his third Oaks win with undefeated champion juvenile filly Echo Zulu, a daughter of Gun Runner campaigned by L and N Racing and Winchell Thoroughbreds. He got everything I wanted at Oaklawn and just couldnt do any running late. Regulated in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, LA, MI, NJ, NY, ON, PA, TN, VA, WA, WY, If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling, and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800 GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (USA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN only), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ only), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA only) or 1-800-522-4700 (CO Only), Top Speed Figure: 97 Equibase Speed Figure, Top Speed Figure: 102 Equibase Speed Figure, Top Speed Figure: 109 Equibase Speed Figure, Top Speed Figure: 100 Equibase Speed Figure, Top Speed Figure: 99 Equibase Speed Figure, Top Speed Figure: 104 Equibase Speed Figure, Top Speed Figure: 96 Equibase Speed Figure, Top Speed Figure: 91 Equibase Speed Figure, Top Speed Figure: 106 Equibase Speed Figure, Top Speed Figure: 94 Equibase Speed Figure, Top Speed Figure: 103 Equibase Speed Figure, Top Speed Figure: 90 Equibase Speed Figure, Top Speed Figure: 93 Equibase Speed Figure. The lone win came at 6 furlongs in the Zia Park Derby. "[14], Epicenter went off as the 4-1 favorite in a very deep field for the 2022 Kentucky Derby. We were proud of our horse and how he ran. Welcome to Equibase.com, your official source for horse racing results, mobile racing data, statistics as well as all other horse racing and thoroughbred racing information. He's won pretty much every other race. He was sired by Not This Time out of the Candy Ride mare Silent Candy. 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. He settled in fourth-place behind Cyberknife, who set moderate fractions for the first three-quarters of a mile. "[12], On March 26, Epicenter went off as the even-money in the Louisiana Derby. After losing to Street Sense in the Derby, Curlin put it all together in an amazing stretch run in the Preakness to edge that rival. 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 Trainer: Michael Merryman And bam. He was comfortable doing it. Also settling in at Pimlico Wednesday was Fenwick, a 50-1 shot on the Preakness morning line. He started jumping and feeling good, so I said to the groom, 'Let's put the saddle on him and take him to the track. Since the race was worth 50-20-10-5 points to the top four finishers, Epicenter probably is qualified for the Kentucky Derby, a goal that owner Ron Winchell had in mind from the day he paid $260,000 to buy the Not This Time colt as a yearling. 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. Im hesitant to endorse this one. The horse is gelded which would be awesome because it means we could see a Derby winner runner beyond his three or four year old season. 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). [6] He returned on November 13 in another maiden special weight at Churchill Downs, this time at a distance of one mile. If so, hes a major threat. 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). All rights reserved. To get the full benefits of numberFire, please log in. We thought that about him all along, right from the beginning, Winchell said. Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC [16][17], After the race, Asmussen said he could not believe Epicenter had lost after he took the lead in the stretch. 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. I thought the trip might have settled him down a little bit," he added. Three Year Olds 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." I was really happy with him coming home," Hernandez said. 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). 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. Epicenter , healing from a broken bone he suffered Presumptive horse of the year winner Flightline wa Editors note: This is one in a series of annual e We made it. If she were to get in here though she would be a great bet against because she would take a ton of narrative money. 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 other horses rather easily by 3 1/2 lengths. Epicenter, perhaps his best chance to win his first Kentucky Derby, led from gate to wire in a dominant, 2 3/4-length triumph in the Grade 2, $400,000Risen Star Stakes. 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. . 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