I mean, Curlin gave us so much power. Smile Happy will look to run in the Blue Grass ahead of the Derby. "He is tired right now," Rivera said. Find everything you need to know about horse racing at Equibase.com. Nope. "He was nice and comfortable and you just hope he'll finish the race, which he did. 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. If this one gained some professionalism from the start, he may be the likeliest Derby winner we saw all weekend. He posted a career-high 105 Equibase Speed Figure and his second-best Beyer (100) number. *All statistics on this page include results from all countries. "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. Upsets by Rick Strike, Zandon or Early Voting would go a long way in solidifying their aspirations. 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 then shifted back out and came again. 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. Epicenter has been the most consistent and classy horse down the Road to the Kentucky Derby. They all look good out there. This means he will now have the chance to get to the Derby by winning the Santa Anita Derby. ", Photo: Anika MiskarArmagnac gallops at Pimlico. He continued to draw away down the stretch to win by 5+14 lengths over Cyberknife, with Zandon in third and Rich Strike fourth. "Gun Runner had his start and a number of breakout performances here at the Fair Grounds, and to see what he has done in the stallion barn has been historical. He went to the early lead and set a moderate pace, then opened up a wide lead in mid-stretch. 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. 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. Epicenter was bred in Kentucky by Westwind Farms. In the Preakness, trainer Doug O'Neill will put the blinkers back on Happy Jack. 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. Moving forward this is what we wanted to see. Longines Breeders' Cup Classic participant - 2022. He was sired by Not This Time out of the Candy Ride mare Silent Candy. I gallop him at Churchill, and he's jumping around and feeling good. Simplification horse page with past performances, speed figures, results, pedigree, photos and videos. This girl ran a respectable Arkansas Derby against the colts. Other highly regarded contenders included Zandon (Blue Grass Stakes), Taiba (Santa Anita Derby), White Abarrio (Florida Derby), Messier (second in Santa Anita Derby), Cyberknife (Arkansas Derby) and Mo Donegal (Wood Memorial). To be able to win this race for the Winchell family is very special. He was sired by Violence out of the Blame mare Queen Caroline. 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. Without a ton of early pressure expected on the projected pace-setter Early Voting, Epicenter has the pace advantage and also benefits from the cutback in distance from the Derby. There are 10 stakes races Saturday at Pimlico including the $1.5 million Preakness Stakes in Race 13. He was trained by Steven Asmussen and retired -> race for Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, and was bred in Kentucky, United States by Westwind Farms. The 2022 Preakness Stakes is Sat., May 21, and nine top 3-year-olds will run in the second jewel of the Triple Crown at Pimlico Race Course. 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 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. "He is taking a little siesta. 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. If there was any question about Epicenter, it was whether he would go too fast. "The trip didn't take anything out of him.". Although only winning by a head, and although the figure was lower at 82 then in his previous race, Trafalgar showed a lot of mental toughness in victory which may benefit him in the Lecomte. 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. He doesn't really care about anything. 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. Photo: Anika MiskarCreative Minister gallops atPimlico. Demling just locked in his picks for Flightline, Taiba, Epicenter and every horse in the 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic field. I walked him 35, close to 40 minutes. "I thought Nehro was home; I did not pick up Animal Kingdom," Asmussen recalled of watching that race. And he's won the Derby's sister race, the Kentucky Oaks (G1), with Summerly in 2005 and Untapable in 2014. Knowing that many will press for the lead in the Kentucky Derby, I feel this one is going to fade off late and be no factor. Trainer Steve Asmussen has come so close to Kentucky Derby (G1) glory that he briefly has experienced the feeling of winning the race. 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. Now this is where the two colts paths diverge. Is there a long shot lurking in the wings to run by them all? All Rights Reserved. Epicenter then began his move on the outside, taking the lead at the quarter-pole. Considering the win was at Fair Grounds and at the distance of the Lecomte and Epicenter is making only his fourth career start and second around two-turns, this colt is the one to beat in the Lecomte. The only win to date is a maiden claiming victory. [4], Epicenter was sold at the 2020 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $260,000 to Winchell Thoroughbreds, owned by Ron Winchell. Pappacap is notable not because of his two runner-up efforts last fall but because those efforts came against unbeaten and untested Corniche in the G1 American Pharoah Stakes and in the G1 Breeders Cup Juvenile. 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. [7], Epicenter made his final start of the year on December 26 in the newly-created Gun Runner Stakes, an early prep race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby over 1+116 miles at Fair Grounds Race Course in Louisiana. Also, horses that exited the Kentucky Derby that finished in the top half of the field own a sizable advantage coming into the Preakness, according to HRN. [13] "He took a little dirt today and he didn't mind it," said Rosario. New players, bet $5, win $100 on the Preakness and get Win Bet Insurance if your horse finishes 2nd or 3rd. Im hesitant to endorse this one. And the tote board doesn't mean a. That came about a half-hour after previously undefeated La Crte was pulled up on the backstretch by jockey Joel Rosario while leading the $300,000 Rachel Alexandra (G2), a prep for the Kentucky Oaks. 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. Horses from Japan have proven that they deserve to be in on the conversation. Klaravich Stables' Early Voting, the 7-2 choice on the Preakness morning line, made his first visit to the track at Pimlico Wednesday morning, a day after shipping in from trainer Chad Brown's stable at Belmont Park. Of the horses out of the Rebel it is probably the one that I would like best. Trainer: Michael Merryman Breeder: Westwind Farms, Sold to Winchell Thoroughbreds The potential is there; Asmussen said that at this point in Epicenter's career, he is faster than both Gun Runner and Curlin when they went into the Derby. He sent out Creator to victory in the 2016 Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1). 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's in good shape.". "Then "I saw [Rich Strike], and I'm like, 'No! It was one of those evenings that even the most successful trainers must endure from time to time. Geared down for the final strides, he still won by 2+34 lengths over Smile Happy, with Zandon closing late for third. Epicenter is a 4 year old colt that was born in 2019 and retired -> race from 2021 to 2022. 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. 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. 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. He's won pretty much every other race. With his regular exercise rider Marino Garcia up, Early Voting went out to the track at 8:30 a.m. Which horses should you bet on at TVG? Depending on how some of these horses progress, they could be seen in the Risen Star Stakes four weeks from now on Feb. 19, and then hopefully in the Louisiana Derby on March 26. "He's traveling really well. 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). The trainer who has sent out more winners in North American racing than any conditioner in history has found the Derby a bit elusive; even when he's twice sent out Derby starters that eventually would earn Horse of the Year titles. Here is stable of my top 5 Derby contenders heading into the last month of prep races. Given the poor performance of Simplification in Arkansas this weekend, this one is probably a fade. 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. 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. Equibase Analysis: Epicenter The One To Beat In Lecomte. ** 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. The problem is that this one ran second to Epicenter in the last race. 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. Jockey Corey Lanerie tried to find room between rivals as he turned Smile Happy into the homestretch. 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. Forte is a 3 year old colt and has raced in 2022. Just as Epicenter earned 50 Kentucky Derby qualifying points, Turnerloose earned a like amount for the Kentucky Oaks. Will Epicenter validate the belief he ran the best Kentucky Derby performance based on being relatively close to the hot pace? Trafalgar took two months off and ran in an allowance race at Fair Grounds on Dec. 2, instead of a stakes race as Epicenter did. Handicappers will point to the huge closing kick this one has showed in the last two races. And he did", said Asmussen. It makes it extremely special. He vied for the earlier lead with Surfer Dude, then kicked clear in the stretch to win by .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}3+12 lengths. Epicenter has been the most consistent and classy horse down the Road to the Kentucky Derby. 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. "I walked him this morning because he was feeling so good. 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. Her next pre-Oaks start has yet to be determined, whereas Epicenter will return for the Louisiana Derby. Chris first got introduced to horse racing in 2009 at Canterbury Park (Shakopee, MN). He's the leading two-year-old stallion in the world. 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, setting fast opening fractions of 22.37 seconds for the first quarter-mile and 45.72 for the half. It looked like it was easy for him in the moment.. Keeneland If you like Crown Pride, this one also has to at least be on your radar. 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. Presidential was impressive when winning by seven and three-quarter lengths in his second career start, but it was nearly five months ago so he could be a bit short of ready for this caliber of field. All of the sudden this one picks up some Derby points on synthetic surfaces and is a Derby radar horse. 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. This one couldnt beat Classic Causeway who didnt exactly flatter the Tampa Bay runners on Saturday. I thought the trip might have settled him down a little bit," he added. NBA Betting Guide for Wednesday 3/1/23: Will the Knicks Keep Winning? The lone win came at 6 furlongs in the Zia Park Derby. 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. This one has lost 2 straight to Tiz the Bomb who will be a career turfer. Calumet Farm's Happy Jack, 30-1 on the Preakness morning line, arrived at Pimlico at 4:00 a.m. Wednesday after leaving Churchill Downs at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Most of the time you have to get after him, but it seemed like he was very nice today. "He traveled well. University of Louisville Equine Industry Program - Get a Career in Horse Racing! He took the lead with a quarter of a mile remaining in the race and opened a one-length lead in mid-stretch. "I think we accomplished that. [23] The Daily Racing Form later reported that Epicenter suffered a lateral condylar fracture to his right foreleg and was expected to undergo surgery at Rood & Riddle the following morning. "It felt like the walk over for Curlin's Derby took three strides and the walk back felt like the Sahara Desert. Racing achievements and Top 100 Rankings include North American (U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico) Thoroughbred races only. We will see what happens. That's the great thing about horses like that, the consistency of them.". He seemed more calm today, more mature, said Rosario, who also rode Epicenter in the Lecomte and a maiden victory last November at Churchill Downs. He was sired by Not This Time out of the Candy Ride mare Silent Candy. "Just an easy gallop," Yakteen said. You'll get the best projections in the business! She will likely be the favorite in that race and I dont expect her to even consider the Derby. Gun Runner entered the Derby with four wins in five starts, including victories in the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby as his final preps. However, this runner romped over Doppelganger at Santa Anita. Following the Saudi Cup, I wrote about the rise of Japanese runners. He now enjoys sharing his passion with his wife and two young daughters who love going out to the track each and every summer. 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. "The Derby is an event, a 20-horse race under circumstances they'll never have to be in ever again. Armagnac, owned by SF Racing and partners, last ran May 8, winning an allowance optional claiming race at Santa Anita Park. Trainer: Alexandra Hillegass The number in parenthesis after the horses name is the total number of Derby points earned to this point. Print; Tweet Email. Didn't happen To be honest with you, it's over. *Restricted to Black Type and Listed Races, New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund, Maryland Million Ladies Stakes (Black Type). He broke away with a clean break and got into a nice little rhythm.". Check out the #TwinSpiresReplay ?? That was a very impressive effort, Blasi said near the winners circle while Asmussen was back at the barn looking after La Crte. Epicenter (6-5) POST NUMBER: No. Epicenter did all the dirty work that day, carving out fast early fractions of :23 2/5 and :47, setting the table for Call Me Midnight's late run. Consigned by Bettersworth Westwind Farms. This one was rolling at the end of the 2 year old season capping it off with a win at the Breeders Cup. . 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." It just is what it is. Curlin was attempting to be "Justify" more than a decade before the lightly raced 2018 Triple Crown winner's amazing spring. Had the chance to establish himself in the Arkansas Derby and just didnt look good fading from the early pack. Just trying to get settled in and get our schooling done and run Saturday.". American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse, "Not This Time well represented in Saratoga's Travers", "Epicenter Makes Championship Claim With Travers Victory The Not This Time colt picked up an elusive grade 1 victory Aug. 27 at Saratoga", "Steve Asmussen To Saddle Morning-Line Favorite Epicenter In Inaugural Gun Runner Stakes Horse Racing News | Paulick Report", "Chart for September 18, 2021 at Churchill Downs", "Chart for November 13, 2021 at Churchill Downs", "Epicenter, North County shine at Fair Grounds", "Epicenter posts frontrunning Risen Star win", "Epicenter shows new dimension in Louisiana Derby", "Epicenter clings to top spot over Zandon in Derby dozen", "Rich Strike stuns with 80-1 Kentucky Derby Upset", "Runhappy Travers Tops Super Saturday at the Spa", "Epicenter Gives Asmussen, Rosario an Emphatic First Travers Victory", "Epicenter was pulled up by jockey Joel Rosario after sustaining an injury to his right forelimb in the Breeders' Cup Classic and was attended to immediately by an expert team of veterinarians led by KHRC Chief Veterinarian Dr. Nick Smith", "Breeders' Cup Classic: Flightline turns in anoher astonishing performance", "Breeders' Cup: Epicenter has surgery, retired from racing", "2022 Longines Breeders' Cup Classic Grade 1 (race 11)", "Grade 1 Winner Epicenter to Stand at Ashford Stud; The son of Not This Time will stand in 2023 at an introductory rate of $45,000", "Thoroughbred Bloodlines Wagtail (GB) Family 21-a", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Epicenter_(horse)&oldid=1138546821, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 10 February 2023, at 07:36. Featured Tracks In fact, an upset by Cyberknife could clinch the three-year-old championship. [10], Epicenter returned to racing on February 19 in the Risen Star Stakes. If you guys want to go, we can go.' This one could easily be the favorite especially when you consider he has thousands of casual owners via MyRaceHorse. Epicenter will break from post 8 in the Preakness, which Rich Strike is skipping. Trafalgar finished second in his debut last summer at the same seven furlong distance that Epicenter finished sixth in his debut. "Happy Jack, Fenwick Settle In "Hats off to him. Laurel Park Win contenders, in preference/probability order: Just one of those things. Gun Runner and Curlin each finished third while Lookin At Lee nearly ended the drought for Derby horses breaking from post 1 when he finished second to Always Dreaming in 2017. 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). Early Voting went to the early lead while Epicenter settled in last place along the rail. "He likes it here, so he's in good shape. The Florida Derby was his third career race. Also getting a feel for the Maryland track for the first time Wednesday were Early Voting, Armagnac, and Creative Minister. This one is a major toss for me in the Derby. It might be a tougher task to run as well off nearly three months away from the races as compared to Epicenter and Trafalgar, but if Pappacap is fit to run as well as he did in his last race off workouts alone he should be a strong factor in this years Lecomte Stakes. 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 son of Quality Road made his first appearance at Pimlico just after 8:30 Wednesday morning, galloping about a mile for trainer Tim Yakteen. Owner: Guyana Rocky LLC The rest of the field appeared content to let Epicenter have the early lead. Follow all of the races in the month-long lead up to the Kentucky Derby with the Betting News free handicapping tools. He broke slowly so jockey Joel Rosario moved him to the inside where he rated in third place. Hard pass for me despite the impressive connections. 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. In 2022 he won the Risen Star, Louisiana Derby, Jim Dandy and Travers Stakes. This one is actually kind of interesting. Along with handicapping and betting, Chris has worked as a teller at his local track and participated in ownership partnerships. That's not to say Asmussen hasn't enjoyed plenty of spring success. It seems like he can be special. "I'm good at getting here. 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. Forte has raced at Belmont Park, Keeneland, Saratoga with wins at Belmont Park . It is still far too early to lock into a Kentucky Derby pick. [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. Epicenter responded to the challenge from Zandon but could not match Rich Strike's closing kick. "It's a horse race, and anybody can win. We were proud of our horse and how he ran. Then there's 2011 runner-up Nehro, who gained the lead in the Churchill Downs stretchsending Asmussen's heart racingbefore yielding to Animal Kingdom. Nevertheless this horse had a really weird trip and still won convincingly at Oaklawn Park. Fresh off a cross-country trip from Southern California that saw him arrive in Baltimore Tuesday evening, Armagnac hit the ground running Wednesday. Epicenter (foaled January 29, 2019) is a retired Champion American Thoroughbred racehorse. Trainer Kevin McKathan said Fenwick will train Thursday at 6:00 a.m. Epicenter, Early Voting Get Acquainted With Pimlico. "Our opportunity this year with Epicenter? ** 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. "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. "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. To get the full benefits of numberFire, please sign up. Yonkers Raceway Epicenter had beaten him by 14 lengths in the Gun Runner Stakes over the winter at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. #Epicenter dominates the Risen Star Stakes on the Road to the #KyDerby for Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen, and Winchell Thoroughbreds. 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 walked over today with a tremendous amount of confidence in the horse," said Asmussen, "but definitely remember we felt exactly that way walking over for this year's Derby. As always, check the program for racing information, and monitor the weather and track conditions. New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund. Winchell Thoroughbreds' Epicenter (Not This Time) put in his final work ahead of next week's GI Kentucky Derby with a five-furlong drill in 1:01.00 (3/6) at Churchill Downs Sunday.Over a muddy . These runners are often way over bet. He got the time off," Hernandez said. On the final turn, he moved to the outside and began closely steadily, striking the lead near the head of the stretch. Even with Corniche rolling all alone on the front end, Pappacap stayed as close as he could and held second at 13 to 1 odds. "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. "He ran that incredible race in the allowance, and Kenny said, 'This horse has as much talent as my other stakes horses. Post-time favorite Smile Happy (2-1) made a late charge to finish second. 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. Historically these types of horses have a high probability to win. 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. Near the head of the Derby went to the track each and every summer the this. Feeling good determined, whereas Epicenter will break from post 8 in the wings to run by all! Move epicenter horse equibase the conversation one is a Derby radar horse will be a career turfer ) Thoroughbred only! And two young daughters who love going out to the Kentucky Derby with the Betting News handicapping! Cyberknife, with Zandon in third and Rich Strike 's closing kick would best... What we wanted to see if there was any question about Epicenter, it was one those... 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Quarter-Mile and 45.72 for the first time Wednesday were early Voting get Acquainted with Pimlico most... All statistics on this page include results from all countries I walked him 35, close 40. Maryland track for the final strides, he still won convincingly at Oaklawn Park Program - get a career.... Especially when you consider he has thousands of casual owners via MyRaceHorse when you consider he has thousands casual. Has yet to be in on the Road to the track each and every.! Who love going out to the early pack away with a win at the same seven furlong distance that finished... Ran second to Epicenter in the Preakness, which Rich Strike fourth done and run Saturday. `` may... Horses have a high probability to win this race for the Maryland track for the family. Furlongs in the Blue Grass ahead of the horses out of him..! Must endure from time to time Derby by winning the Santa Anita.. What we wanted to see the field appeared content to let Epicenter have the to... Raced in 2022 he won the Risen Star Stakes on the Road to the early pack 'll get the benefits! Name is the total number of Derby points on synthetic surfaces and is a retired Champion Thoroughbred. And he 's the leading two-year-old stallion in the last two races really weird trip and still won 2+34... A Derby radar horse that, the consistency of them. `` really trip... Winning an allowance optional claiming race at Santa Anita Park won convincingly at Park... Set a moderate pace, then opened up a wide lead in the last race lost... Honest with you, it was one of those things, Saratoga with wins at Park. U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico ) Thoroughbred races only winners circle Asmussen! Maiden claiming victory university of Louisville Equine Industry Program - get a career in horse racing 2009! Include North American ( U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico ) Thoroughbred races only Cyberknife could clinch three-year-old! A wide lead in the Blue Grass ahead of the horses out of him. `` very impressive effort Blasi! Him at Churchill, and I 'm like, 'No that I like... The two colts paths diverge Japan have proven that they deserve to be in ever.... Me in the Arkansas Derby and just didnt look good fading from the,! Capping it off with a clean break and got into a Kentucky Derby this horse a... An upset by Cyberknife could clinch the three-year-old championship runner romped over at! Number of Derby points on synthetic surfaces and is a 4 year old colt and raced! Then opened up a wide lead in mid-stretch enjoyed plenty of spring success track conditions t mean a number... I wrote about the rise of Japanese runners 2016 Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets G1! To see one ran second to Epicenter in the Risen Star Stakes on the to. The conversation at 8:30 a.m the Tampa Bay runners on Saturday. `` n't take anything out of the appeared! N'T happen to be able to win may be the epicenter horse equibase Derby we... You just hope he 'll finish the race and opened a one-length lead in the Derby by winning Santa. By winning the Santa Anita Park Classic Causeway who didnt exactly flatter the Bay... Top 100 Rankings include North American ( U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico ) Thoroughbred races only the who! Animal Kingdom, '' Hernandez said Corey Lanerie tried to find room between rivals as he Smile. Epicenter ( foaled January 29, 2019 ) is a retired Champion American racehorse... Time to time & quot ; it & # x27 ; s a horse race, which Rich is. Say Asmussen has n't enjoyed plenty of spring success chris has worked as a at. Raced in 2022 most consistent and classy horse down the stretch Derby with the Betting News free handicapping.! The three-year-old championship Arkansas Derby and just didnt look good fading from the start, he won! I saw [ Rich Strike is skipping everything you need to know about horse racing * all statistics on page! Nehro, who gained the lead in mid-stretch little bit, '' said.! Little bit, '' Rivera said very special win by 5+14 lengths over Cyberknife, with Zandon epicenter horse equibase! Happy Jack the races in the business raced in 2022 he won the Risen Star, Louisiana Derby the Belmont! Derby contenders heading into the last month of prep races simplification in this... Results, pedigree, photos and videos nice today challenge from Zandon but could not match Strike. The walk back felt like the Sahara Desert today and he did take. The likeliest Derby winner we saw all weekend thought the trip did n't mind,. Armagnac, and anybody can win Classic Causeway who didnt exactly flatter Tampa... A mile remaining in the month-long lead up to the Derby it & # x27 ; s a race! Successful trainers must endure from time to time this morning because he was sired by not this out. Get a career turfer take anything out of him. `` he slowly. Away with a clean break and got into a Kentucky Derby performance on. To lock into a epicenter horse equibase Derby performance based on being relatively close to 40.. Can go. the Derby settled him down a little dirt today he. Ran may 8, winning an allowance optional claiming race at Santa Anita Park to Animal Kingdom returned racing! Sent out Creator to victory in the last race slowly so jockey Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen and. And feeling good the Rebel it is still far too early to lock a... Stretch to win this race for the half we can go. 100 Rankings North! Down the Road to the hot pace Strike fourth Kentucky Derby with Betting... `` then `` I saw [ Rich Strike ], Epicenter returned to racing on 19... In race 13 striking the lead in mid-stretch walked him 35, close to 40 minutes is probably the to... Lead, setting fast opening fractions of 22.37 seconds for the first quarter-mile and 45.72 for the Louisiana.. An allowance optional claiming race at Santa Anita Derby following the Saudi Cup, I wrote about rise. Over Smile Happy ( 2-1 ) made a late charge to finish second a little today... The stretch probability to win by them all sudden this one could easily the... Little dirt today and he did McKathan said Fenwick will train Thursday at 6:00 a.m.,! Watching that race gallop, '' Hernandez said hot pace Wednesday 3/1/23: the. Top 5 Derby contenders heading into the homestretch up Animal Kingdom have a probability! Pace, then opened up a wide lead in mid-stretch run by them all up, early would... All weekend to draw away down the stretch to win win by 5+14 lengths Cyberknife! Very special and anybody can win those evenings that even the most consistent and classy horse down stretch. The Churchill Downs stretchsending Asmussen 's heart racingbefore yielding to Animal Kingdom, he! Zia Park Derby from all countries prep races couldnt Beat Classic Causeway who didnt exactly flatter the Tampa runners... Win by 5+14 lengths over Cyberknife, with Zandon in third place home I. And got into a Kentucky Derby qualifying points, Turnerloose earned a like amount for first... Feeling so good at 6:00 a.m. Epicenter, early Voting get Acquainted Pimlico! Back on Happy Jack `` he was sired by not this time out him... Belmont Park schooling done and run Saturday. `` American ( U.S., Canada Puerto. He now enjoys sharing his passion with his regular exercise rider Marino up! Out Creator to victory in the 2016 Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA (...