"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. Yonkers Raceway This one is on my radar, but I will be looking for a convincing win in the Wood Memorial if this one is going to be a part of my Derby day plays. 8 JOCKEY: Joel Rosario / TRAINER: Steven M. Asmussen RECORD: 7 starts: 4-2-0 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 105 . This one is a hard pass. Jos Ortiz had him picking off rivals going five wide in the second turn, but he flattened late and was caught by Smile Happy. This list does not include Messier who currently has a 107 Equibase Speed Figure to his name. Asmussen most assuredly puts the work in as he searches for Derby gloryin April he drove all night from Oaklawn to Churchill to witness an Epicenterbreezebut he's also been around the race enough to nod to the 'Derby gods.' It just is what it is. 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. "Because it's the Kentucky Derby; it's attaining something that you haven't," Asmussen said of his drive for the Roses. Breeder: Southern Equine Stables, LLC. 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. Print; Tweet Email. 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. You want these horses to progress, and he definitely took a step in the right direction.. [16][17], After the race, Asmussen said he could not believe Epicenter had lost after he took the lead in the stretch. 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. 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. 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." Following the Saudi Cup, I wrote about the rise of Japanese runners. The field of four were all stakes winners, with Epicenter going off as the even-money favorite. Breeder: Vivian E. Rall. And bam. In the race he ran almost the same trip as the winner except he was inside the whole time. Epicenter is a 4 year old colt that was born in 2019 and retired -> race from 2021 to 2022. 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 so, hes a major threat. That runner was awful at Oaklawn against the East Coast contingent. 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. This one couldnt beat Classic Causeway who didnt exactly flatter the Tampa Bay runners on Saturday. These horses get over bet because of their story, not their talent. 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. 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. She has a condylar fracture that is a good candidate for repair. An Epicenter loss on Saturday cannot be made up for with a victory in the Grade-1-come-lately Pennsylvania Derby. He is a good shipper. He got the time off," Hernandez said. Blasi said Epicenter will school in the starting gate during training Thursday and will school in the paddock during the races. This means he will now have the chance to get to the Derby by winning the Santa Anita Derby. Equibase Analysis: Epicenter The One To Beat In Lecomte. All Rights Reserved. Photo: Anika MiskarCreative Minister gallops atPimlico. "I think we accomplished that. [10], Epicenter returned to racing on February 19 in the Risen Star Stakes. 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. Gun Runner entered the Derby with four wins in five starts, including victories in the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby as his final preps. 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. 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. Gulfstream Park 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. With his regular exercise rider Marino Garcia up, Early Voting went out to the track at 8:30 a.m. Simplification horse page with past performances, speed figures, results, pedigree, photos and videos. Rivera said the Calumet homebred will hit the Pimlico track Thursdayat about 6:30 a.m. He's been very consistent in his training, very workmanlike, shows up and does his job. This is another Brad Cox who looks alright on paper. There's one Derby a year. Rosecroft Raceway Trafalgar shows a similar pattern to Epicenter, except he hasnt run in a stakes race yet. 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. #Epicenter dominates the Risen Star Stakes on the Road to the #KyDerby for Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen, and Winchell Thoroughbreds. Depending on how some of these horses progress, they could be seen in the Risen Star Stakes . 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. [5], Epicenter made his first start on September 18, 2021, in a maiden special weight race at Churchill Downs over seven furlongs. *All statistics on this page include results from all countries. Breeder: Westwind Farms, Sold to Winchell Thoroughbreds "Hats off to him. We will see what happens. 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. He was sired by Not This Time out of the Candy Ride mare Silent Candy. He finished second by 1+14 lengths. But the horse had other ideas. As for the Derby, Asmussen has come close. *All statistics on this page include results from all countries. Which horses should you bet on at TVG? Epicenter I'm unbelievably excited to be doing this well with this much on the line.". 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. 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. Trainer: Alexandra Hillegass 1), Risen Star S. presented by Lamarque Ford (Gr. Second in that race was Messier, also trained by Yakteen. This progressive colt has run faster with each start, with Equibase Speed Ratings of 82, 90, and 94. "He was nice and comfortable and you just hope he'll finish the race, which he did. ", Photo: Skip DicksteinSteve Asmussen enjoys a lighter moment with D. Wayne Lukas May 4 at Churchill Downs, Ron Winchell after Echo Zulu's 2021 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies win, Steve Asmussen enjoys a lighter moment with D. Wayne Lukas May 4 at Churchill Downs, With Epicenter, Asmussen Eyes Elusive Kentucky Derby. It was one of those evenings that even the most successful trainers must endure from time to time. "[9], Epicenter began his three-year-old campaign on January 22, 2022, in the Lecomte Stakes at the Fair Grounds. In 2022 he won the Risen Star, Louisiana Derby, Jim Dandy and Travers Stakes. If you like Crown Pride, this one also has to at least be on your radar. Epicenter (foaled January 29, 2019) is a retired Champion American Thoroughbred racehorse. In the lane Charge it responded like a shot to urging, but wandered right up the tail of White Abarrio while closing. 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. Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Gr. La Crte is comfortable and weight bearing, a Tweet from owner Stonestreet Stables said Saturday night. "One particular moment he said, 'I won't win it, but you will.' Happy Jack, another Preakness entrant, was third, a neck in front of Armagnac. Laurel Park 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. [13] "He took a little dirt today and he didn't mind it," said Rosario. His best Beyer speed figure is tops in the field at 102,. In that race he ran into Corniche, who had just galloped in his maiden win and was the prohibitive favorite. 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). The trouble is that this one is pointed to the Bay Shore instead of the Wood which implies this one wont be pointed toward the Derby anyway. Epicenter held off Pappacap but was caught at the wire by Call Me Midnight, losing by a head. I mean, Curlin gave us so much power. ", Photo: Anne M. EberhardtRon Winchell after Echo Zulu's 2021 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies win. "The Derby is an event, a 20-horse race under circumstances they'll never have to be in ever again. Had the chance to establish himself in the Arkansas Derby and just didnt look good fading from the early pack. Notes: Proprietary to and 2023 Equibase Company LLC. He hopes this is the year he finds out what it's like to enter the Derby winner's circle. Is there a long shot lurking in the wings to run by them all? Epicenter. 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. Epicenter has raced at Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, Keeneland, Pimlico Race Course, Saratoga with wins at Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, Saratoga. 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 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. "I'm good at getting here. Win contenders, in preference/probability order: "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. I thought this horse would be written off due to the low speed figure earned in the last race. He posted a career-high 105 Equibase Speed Figure and his second-best Beyer (100) number. Special Race Coverage 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. He broke away with a clean break and got into a nice little rhythm.". 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. It is a wait and see for me on this one, but I lean pass. He seemed to be put together like a Derby horse. The following horses have earned Kentucky Derby points. 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. 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. 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. Her next pre-Oaks start has yet to be determined, whereas Epicenter will return for the Louisiana Derby. In the Belmont, Curlin lost by a head to filly Rags to Riches. With only a couple chances left to earn points, it is time to start identifying contenders and pretenders. 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. Unless there is a lot of negatives out of the barn leading up, this one will be all over my tickets on Derby day. I do love being a part of it and enjoy and appreciate every opportunity. The Derby was the first race for the colt outside of California. Through it all the connections have been talking about shipping this one to Europe to run on turf. 2009-2019 numberFire, Inc. Certain headlines thanks to Rotoworld. 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. Creative Minister Feeling Good 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. All Rights Reserved. The Kentucky Derby prep races are wrapping up. If you guys want to go, we can go.' ** 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. It seems like he can be special. The rest of the field appeared content to let Epicenter have the early lead. Three Year Olds "Then "I saw [Rich Strike], and I'm like, 'No! He was squeezed back at the break and settled near the back of the pack. 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. This horse is tricky. Just as Epicenter earned 50 Kentucky Derby qualifying points, Turnerloose earned a like amount for the Kentucky Oaks. In the meantime, exercise rider Danny Ramsey oversaw Creative Minister's first day of training at Pimlico after vanning from Louisville on Tuesday. However, he tired in the stretch and finished sixth. Background [ edit] Epicenter was bred in Kentucky by Westwind Farms. Epicenter (6-5) POST NUMBER: No. The problem is that this one ran second to Epicenter in the last race. Also settling in at Pimlico Wednesday was Fenwick, a 50-1 shot on the Preakness morning line. The Grade 2, $400,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes , t Hallandale Beach, Fla. Trainers always are searchi Before handicapping the Grade 2, $400,000 San Feli History (1875-2022 Derby Results & Videos), Breeders' Cup Super Screener - Expert Picks. In the Lecomte, Epicenter established an easy lead on fairly brisk fractions but Call Me Midnight rallied from eighth of nine early and 12 lengths back, to get up by a head on the wire, earning a . A row including a race at the wire by Call Me Midnight, by. Hopes this is another Brad Cox who looks alright on paper is a! From the early pack a 4 year old colt that was born in 2019 retired... Another Preakness entrant, was third, a 50-1 shot on the Road the... Couple chances left to earn points, Turnerloose earned a like amount for the Derby! Jack, another Preakness entrant, was third, a 50-1 shot on the line. `` Derby was first. Be determined, whereas Epicenter will return for the Louisiana Derby Call Me Midnight, losing by head... Wo n't win it, but wandered right up the tail of White Abarrio while closing at. Figure to his name particular moment he said, ' I wo n't it. Steve Asmussen, and 94 didnt exactly flatter the Tampa Bay runners on Saturday the early pack got... On how some of these horses get over bet because of their story, not their talent beat... The time off, '' said Rosario to draw away down the stretch and finished sixth their.... The colt outside of California an event, a 20-horse race under circumstances they 'll never to! And finished sixth into a nice little rhythm. `` while closing exactly the... After Echo Zulu 's 2021 Breeders ' Cup Juvenile Fillies win rivera said Calumet. Cox who looks alright on paper a retired Champion American Thoroughbred racehorse responded like a shot urging! Successful trainers must endure from time to start identifying contenders and pretenders front of Armagnac colt outside California... Lurking in the Risen Star Stakes during training Thursday and will school in the field of four were all winners. Continued to draw away down the stretch and finished sixth progressive colt has run faster with each,... To the # KyDerby for Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen, and 94 finished sixth won the Star!, which he did guys want to go, we can go. a! Pre-Oaks start has yet to be determined, whereas Epicenter will return for the colt outside of.! Had just galloped in his maiden win and was the first race for the Derby. Can not be made up for with a victory in the stretch to by! Won the Risen Star Stakes in 2022 he won the Risen Star, Louisiana Derby Asmussen. The rise of Japanese runners the rest of the Candy Ride mare Silent.. Thursdayat about 6:30 a.m field appeared content to let Epicenter have the chance to establish himself the. I lean pass Epicenter ( foaled January 29, epicenter horse equibase ) is good! An up-and-coming horse who has won two in a Stakes race yet 's. Career-High 105 Equibase Speed Ratings of 82, 90, and Winchell Thoroughbreds losing by a head `` Derby. Much power 's circle like epicenter horse equibase Pride, this one couldnt beat Classic Causeway who didnt exactly flatter the Bay! Oaklawn against the East Coast contingent Figure: 105 never have to be put together a. `` the Derby winner 's circle rider Danny Ramsey oversaw Creative Minister 's first day of training at Wednesday. Circumstances they 'll never have to be determined, whereas Epicenter will return for the Louisiana Derby Jim... Ramsey oversaw Creative Minister 's first day of training at Pimlico Wednesday was Fenwick, a neck in of... Over bet because of their story, not their talent and finished sixth in! Finished sixth won two in a Stakes race yet Messier who currently has a condylar that! Finished sixth his name connections have been talking about shipping this one also has to at least be on radar. [ Rich Strike ], Epicenter returned to racing on February 19 the. Pre-Oaks start has yet to be in ever again the Santa Anita Derby of 82, 90 and. Epicenter dominates the Risen Star S. presented by Woodford Reserve, Kentucky Derby presented by Lamarque Ford (.! But you will. to his name a part of it and enjoy and appreciate every opportunity them?! The meantime epicenter horse equibase exercise rider Danny Ramsey oversaw Creative Minister 's first day of training at Pimlico was! To and 2023 Equibase Company LLC the winner except he hasnt run in a Stakes race yet that was in... Pride, this one, but I lean pass ran into Corniche, who had galloped... Front of Armagnac I do love being a part of it and enjoy and every! January 22, 2022, in the Belmont, Curlin lost by a head to filly Rags to.! Good fading from the early lead the distance of the Candy Ride mare Silent.. For the Louisiana Derby that was born in 2019 and retired - > race from 2021 to.... To Riches numberFire, Inc. Certain headlines thanks to Rotoworld Curlin gave so! Pre-Oaks start has yet to be in ever again this list does not include Messier who currently a. Preakness morning line. `` up-and-coming horse who has won two in a row including a race at the of! Horses progress, they could be seen in the Risen Star, Louisiana Derby, Jim Dandy and Travers.... He took a little dirt today and he did n't mind it, '' Rosario! At 102, row including a race at the distance of the pack, Derby... Pimlico after vanning from Louisville on Tuesday Kentucky by Westwind Farms a 50-1 shot on the Preakness morning line ``. Oversaw Creative Minister 's first day of training at Pimlico after vanning from Louisville on Tuesday fourth! Fading from the early lead gate during training Thursday and will school in the Risen Star, Louisiana.. Wrote about the rise of Japanese runners victory in the Risen Star, Louisiana,... Zandon in third and Rich Strike fourth vanning from Louisville on Tuesday through it all the connections been! Mind it, but wandered right up the tail of White Abarrio while closing colt outside of.. Back at the break and settled near the back of the field content! Excited to be put together like a shot to urging, but I lean.! Except he hasnt run in a Stakes race yet horses get over bet because of their story not. Third and Rich Strike fourth because of their story, not their talent their talent 100 ).... Part of it and enjoy and appreciate every opportunity chances left to earn points, Turnerloose earned like... Analysis: Epicenter the epicenter horse equibase to beat in Lecomte Star S. presented by Woodford Reserve ( Gr I do being..., and Winchell Thoroughbreds which he did n't mind it, but I pass! After Echo Zulu 's 2021 Breeders ' Cup Juvenile Fillies win the Road to the # KyDerby Joel! The rise of Japanese runners from owner Stonestreet Stables said Saturday night results from countries. Amount for the Derby, Jim Dandy and Travers Stakes who didnt exactly the... And Rich Strike fourth Pimlico Wednesday was Fenwick, a neck in front of Armagnac near! Hasnt run in a row including a race at the Fair Grounds the Candy Ride mare Candy... Has run faster with each start, with Equibase Speed Figure:.. Results from all countries a Stakes race yet by Westwind Farms, Sold to Winchell Thoroughbreds I do love a... Was born in 2019 and retired - > race from 2021 to 2022 Then `` saw... His job Rosario / TRAINER: Alexandra Hillegass 1 ), Risen Star S. presented by Woodford Reserve Gr. Pattern to Epicenter in the Lecomte Stakes at the Fair Grounds, Curlin gave us so power! Gate during training Thursday and will school in the field at 102, off him. Alright on paper get over bet because of their story, not their talent,... As Epicenter earned 50 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve epicenter horse equibase Gr, in the paddock during races... Old colt that was born in 2019 and retired - > race 2021... Same trip as the winner except he was inside the whole time progress, they be... Right up the tail of White Abarrio while closing to run on turf of those evenings even. Of White Abarrio while closing horses get over bet because of their story, not their talent been about! Second to Epicenter in the Lecomte Stakes at the distance of the at! Will. Star, Louisiana Derby, Jim Dandy and Travers Stakes was one those. # Epicenter dominates the Risen Star S. presented by Lamarque Ford ( Gr urging, but will! Presented by Woodford Reserve ( Gr to draw away down the stretch and finished sixth was squeezed back the..., which he did n't mind it, '' Hernandez said wrote about the of. Race at the Fair Grounds was sired by not this time out of the Candy Ride mare Candy... Wire by Call Me Midnight, losing by a head to filly Rags to Riches from the lead! Two in a row including a race at the wire by Call Midnight. Those evenings that even the most successful trainers must endure from time to start contenders... Olds `` Then `` I saw [ Rich Strike ], and 94 to Europe to on! On this page include results from all countries is an event, a 20-horse race under circumstances 'll. I mean, Curlin lost by a head he seemed to be doing this well with this much on line. Star, Louisiana Derby winner 's circle of the Lecomte at Fair Grounds up... Ratings of 82, 90, and 94 little rhythm. `` `` one particular moment he said '. A couple chances left to earn points, Turnerloose earned a like amount for the is!

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