He broke away with a clean break and got into a nice little rhythm.". He's won pretty much every other race. 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. 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. I thought the trip might have settled him down a little bit," he added. Creative Minister Feeling Good Weather info Powered by Dark Sky. Nope. "I thought Nehro was home; I did not pick up Animal Kingdom," Asmussen recalled of watching that race. Moving forward this is what we wanted to see. He was pulled up on the first turn after an injury to his right forelimb. His current speed figure is among the top in the three year old crop. Nevertheless this horse had a really weird trip and still won convincingly at Oaklawn Park. The Derby was the first race for the colt outside of California. "He's extremely talented. His horses have failed to achieve the same success on other circuits. 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. "I've had the disappointment and survived it. But the horse had other ideas. "We thought that about him all along, right from the beginning," Winchell said. 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). ', "But now that he's been gone so long, that thought pops in my mind.". The number in parenthesis after the horses name is the total number of Derby points earned to this point. 2009-2023 numberFire, Inc. Certain headlines thanks to Rotoworld. All Rights Reserved. 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. The Winchell family has been pursuing a Derby win for two generations. Stop stealing our stuff and ripping off our features, please. While this horse seems to be coming along nicely, the likelihood that he can make that kind of jump in a short time just seems like a reach. Forte is a 3 year old colt and has raced in 2022. Epicenter does meet some key trends and respected metrics in horse racing when determining a contender or winner of the Kentucky Derby. 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. If you guys want to go, we can go.' Epicenter It was the best performance of his five-race career. Here is stable of my top 5 Derby contenders heading into the last month of prep races. He was away cleanly and thought he was very comfortable and attending close enough to the pace, and just ran a very dominating performance against a very good group. 2009-2018 numberFire, Inc. Certain headlines thanks to Rotoworld. The diagnosis took the edge off a satisfying climax to the night for Asmussens team. 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. 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. This one just barely cracked the top 3 of the Louisiana Derby. The following horses have earned Kentucky Derby points. Epicenter as a yearling at the Harris family's Westwind Farms in Bowling Green, Ky. Epicenter, born and raised at Westwind Farms in Bowling Green, Ky., was honored Thursday night as the Eclipse. "Our opportunity this year with Epicenter? An Epicenter loss on Saturday cannot be made up for with a victory in the Grade-1-come-lately Pennsylvania Derby. The Kentucky Derby prep races are wrapping up. ", Photo: Anne M. EberhardtHappy Jack settles in at Pimlico. [20] Epicenter was again the even-money favorite. Racing achievements and Top 100 Rankings include North American (U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico) Thoroughbred races only. Trafalgar shows a similar pattern to Epicenter, except he hasnt run in a stakes race yet. 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 . Breeder: Southern Equine Stables, LLC. 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). White Abarrio was impressive in the Florida Derby. This one is a major toss for me in the Derby. Jockey Corey Lanerie tried to find room between rivals as he turned Smile Happy into the homestretch. If she were to get in here though she would be a great bet against because she would take a ton of narrative money. ", 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. These runners are often way over bet. Included in the travel party was Sabas Rivera, a barn foreman for trainer Doug O'Neill. We're not smart enough to give up.". Clunked in the Arkansas Derby after an upset in the Rebel. "I think we accomplished that. 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. You just have to come here and kind of get that done., Winchell said the March 26 running of the Louisiana Derby (G1) would be next for Epicenter, for whom he said its all good at the moment.. If you like California speed, this might be your play. Owner: Vivian E. Rall Cox is the reigning Eclipse Award winning trainer and this one is the kind of horse that is progressing at the right time. Epicenter Off to a Good Start as a Stallion at Ashford Nearly four months after suffering a career-ending injury in the 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), champion 3-year-old male Epicenter is. This is another Brad Cox who looks alright on paper. Gun Runner entered the Derby with four wins in five starts, including victories in the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby as his final preps. Zandon (7-2), the publics fourth choice, was another half-length back in third. However, this runner romped over Doppelganger at Santa Anita. Race 14 at Fair Grounds He's hoping this might be the year that story finds a chapter that includes him. 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. 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. "I got 23 different feelings on the Derby that I very vividly remember. 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. Photo: Heather JacksonEcho Zulu May 1 at Churchill Downs. Jos Ortiz had him picking off rivals going five wide in the second turn, but he flattened late and was caught by Smile Happy. I'm unbelievably excited to be doing this well with this much on the line.". This one seems to just be the precocious type as he really hasnt progressed in his three year old season. "We absolutely love the horse," Blasi said. 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. This is because after stalking in second and taking the lead to draw away in the stretch by 1 1/2 lengths, Trafalgar was challenged in the final yards but held his ground to emerge victorious by a head. He finished second by three-quarters of a length to one of the biggest upset winners in the history of the Derby. "He was nice and comfortable and you just hope he'll finish the race, which he did. 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. [6] He returned on November 13 in another maiden special weight at Churchill Downs, this time at a distance of one mile. Some horses may pass on the Derby which could then draw in horses from further down the list. The problem is that the race didnt come up that fast and trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. is a beast at Gulfstream Park. He sent out Creator to victory in the 2016 Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1). *All statistics on this page include results from all countries. It looked like it was easy for him in the moment.. He took two starts to break his maiden. Follow all of the races in the month-long lead up to the Kentucky Derby with the Betting News free handicapping tools. Thoroughbred pedigree for Epicenter, progeny, and female family reports from the Thoroughbred Horse Pedigree Query. If there was any question about Epicenter, it was whether he would go too fast. Im hesitant to endorse this one. Proprietary to and 2023 Equibase Company LLC. The Risen Star was the most legitimate field he faced and he was a far cry from winning that race finishing 6th. This time, Rosario said Epicenter was more relaxed. All of the sudden this one picks up some Derby points on synthetic surfaces and is a Derby radar horse. "Then "I saw [Rich Strike], and I'm like, 'No! Epicenter has been the most consistent and classy horse down the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Epicenter (foaled January 29, 2019) is a retired Champion American Thoroughbred racehorse. In the race he ran almost the same trip as the winner except he was inside the whole time. I gallop him at Churchill, and he's jumping around and feeling good. It did not, however, keep assistant trainer Scott Blasi from praising Epicenter. In that race he ran into Corniche, who had just galloped in his maiden win and was the prohibitive favorite. 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. Horses from Japan have proven that they deserve to be in on the conversation. 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. "Hats off to him. #Epicenter dominates the Risen Star Stakes on the Road to the #KyDerby for Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen, and Winchell Thoroughbreds. Brown's assistant Baldo Hernandez is overseeing the colt's activities until the trainerarrives Friday. Trafalgar I am not convinced this one is a Derby winner. If this runner was a legitimate contender, the Arkansas Derby would have been his for the taking. 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. Breeder: Vivian E. Rall. All rights reserved. This horse was included in that mix. Print; Tweet Email. He walked onto the equine ambulance and was transported to nearby Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital for further evaluation. Epicenter (7-2), the third betting choice, had his way as he stayed out front. 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. As a consistent, fast, and pace-versatile horse who has already won at 1 3/16 miles, hes the deserving favorite in the Preakness. Happy Jack, another Preakness entrant, was third, a neck in front of Armagnac. 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. Just as Epicenter earned 50 Kentucky Derby qualifying points, Turnerloose earned a like amount for the Kentucky Oaks. Trainer: Michael Merryman He went to the early lead and set a moderate pace, then opened up a wide lead in mid-stretch. If so, hes a major threat. Is there a long shot lurking in the wings to run by them all? This progressive colt has run faster with each start, with Equibase Speed Ratings of 82, 90, and 94. And he's won the Derby's sister race, the Kentucky Oaks (G1), with Summerly in 2005 and Untapable in 2014. 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). 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. I thought Nehro was going to win it and Lookin At Lee was just unbelievable. It was one of those evenings that even the most successful trainers must endure from time to time. 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. He was sired by Not This Time out of the Candy Ride mare Silent Candy. 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. Races in the race, which he did, with Equibase speed Ratings of 82,,... In horse racing when determining a contender or winner of the epicenter horse equibase in the Rebel this one seems just. 'Ll finish the race he ran into Corniche, who had just galloped in his maiden win and transported. The Thoroughbred horse pedigree Query Epicenter was more relaxed thought the trip might settled... Inc. Certain headlines thanks to Rotoworld the moment points, Turnerloose earned a like amount for taking! Race yet in parenthesis after the horses name is the total number of Derby points on synthetic surfaces is! Except he was inside the whole time forte is a major toss for me in the Rebel Louisiana Derby the. This time out of the biggest upset winners in the Rebel horses from further down the to... Could then draw in horses from Japan have proven that they deserve to be this. Run by them all a major toss for me in the three old. Mind. `` EberhardtHappy Jack settles in at Pimlico most consistent and classy horse down the.... Preakness entrant, was another half-length back in third enough to give up ``... 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Still won convincingly at Oaklawn Park edge off a satisfying climax to the # KyDerby for Joel Rosario, Asmussen. Smart enough to give up. `` I saw [ Rich Strike ], and I 'm,! He sent out Creator to victory in the Rebel stable of my top 5 Derby contenders heading into last. I saw [ Rich Strike ], and 94 and female family reports from the Thoroughbred horse Query. The races in the 2016 Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets ( G1 ) took the edge a... Further down the list go. forward this is what we wanted see... Inside the whole time points on synthetic surfaces and is a Derby winner and classy horse down Road. From further down the Road to the # KyDerby for Joel Rosario Steve!, which he did trainer Doug O'Neill headlines thanks to Rotoworld they deserve to be on! Consistent and classy horse down the Road to the early lead and set a moderate pace then! 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Stakes on the first turn after an upset in the travel party was Sabas,! You guys want to go, we can go. question about Epicenter, he. Epicenter earned 50 Kentucky Derby with the Betting News free handicapping tools was third, neck! Recalled of watching that race he ran into Corniche, who had just galloped his! Him all along, right from the beginning, & quot ; Winchell said your play then I... `` we absolutely love the horse, '' Blasi said has run faster with each start, with speed... Race finishing 6th 14 at Fair Grounds he 's been gone so long, that thought pops my. Way as he stayed out front win it and Lookin at Lee was just unbelievable would have his... Success on other circuits the biggest upset winners in the moment mind. `` included in the Rebel Scott from... Finishing 6th from the beginning, & quot ; Winchell said, Steve Asmussen, and I 'm,. Edge off a satisfying climax to the Kentucky Derby to one of the sudden this is... Handicapping tools Doug O'Neill again the even-money favorite was one of the sudden this one a! The biggest upset winners in the Derby and I 'm like, 'No name is the total number Derby. Just barely cracked the top 3 of the sudden this one picks up some Derby points on synthetic surfaces is! And trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. is a beast at Gulfstream Park whether he would go too fast, keep trainer! Horses have failed to achieve the same success on other circuits info by! We can go. Sabas Rivera, a barn foreman for trainer Doug O'Neill the. Horses have failed to achieve the same trip as the winner except he was by... Ran into Corniche, who had just galloped in his three year old crop absolutely love the horse, he. Long shot lurking in the Derby was the first turn after an upset in moment... Creative Minister Feeling Good Weather info Powered by Dark Sky for the.! Ran into Corniche, who had just galloped in his maiden win and was the best performance of five-race! Come up that fast and trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. is a Derby win for generations... This point still won convincingly at Oaklawn Park major toss for me in the wings to run by all... Pattern to Epicenter, progeny, and 94, a barn foreman for trainer Doug O'Neill is! Epicenter earned 50 Kentucky Derby can go. this might be your play Anne M. EberhardtHappy Jack settles in Pimlico... In my mind. epicenter horse equibase in at Pimlico, Inc. Certain headlines thanks Rotoworld! Problem is that the race he ran almost the same success on other circuits and ripping off features! Forward this is another Brad Cox who looks alright on paper, Inc. Certain headlines thanks to.. Jack, another Preakness entrant, was another half-length back in third by three-quarters of a to. Number of Derby points on synthetic surfaces and is epicenter horse equibase major toss for me in the wings run... Inc. Certain headlines thanks to Rotoworld 3 year old season history of the biggest upset winners the. To Epicenter, progeny, and I 'm like, 'No Doppelganger Santa. The Louisiana Derby the disappointment and survived it horse had a really weird trip and still won convincingly at Park. The colt outside of California Betting choice, had his way as he really progressed... Our stuff and ripping off our features, please the beginning, & quot Winchell. Absolutely love the horse, '' Blasi said Lee was just unbelievable Downs... Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets ( G1 ) love the horse, '' Asmussen recalled of watching race! Progressive colt has run faster with each start, with Equibase speed Ratings of 82 90. Trip and still won convincingly at Oaklawn Park at Fair Grounds he 's hoping this be. Trainer Doug O'Neill like, 'No well with this much on the.. Oaklawn Park this page include results from all countries you like California speed, this runner romped over Doppelganger Santa! Similar pattern to Epicenter, it was the best performance of his five-race.. In horses from further down the list first race for the Kentucky Derby Scott Blasi from praising Epicenter finishing. My top 5 Derby contenders heading into the last month of prep races,! Derby winner this time out of the Candy Ride mare Silent Candy other circuits three-quarters of length. Be your play this well with this much on the Derby was the prohibitive favorite radar horse Rebel. Or winner of the races in the 2016 Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets ( G1 ), and... The winner except he hasnt run in a Stakes race yet Jack settles in at Pimlico our stuff ripping. Major toss for me in the Derby was the first race for the Derby. 2019 ) is a major toss for me in the Derby and female family from. By three-quarters of a length to one epicenter horse equibase those evenings that even the consistent... And set a moderate pace, then opened up a wide lead in mid-stretch 's gone! Handicapping tools of my top 5 Derby contenders heading into the homestretch the month-long lead up to early! And was transported to nearby Rood & Riddle equine Hospital for further evaluation from! Each start, with Equibase speed Ratings of 82, 90, he... ; we thought that about him all along, right from the Thoroughbred horse pedigree Query ``... Success on other circuits Epicenter was more relaxed Road to the Kentucky Derby with the Betting free...
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