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 was one of those evenings that even the most successful trainers must endure from time to time. He's been very consistent in his training, very workmanlike, shows up and does his job. 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. She has a condylar fracture that is a good candidate for repair. There is plenty of intrigue with this years Preakness. I really like that this one is already at Churchill and getting familiar with the surroundings and the track surface. If ever there was a Derby Fever horse this might be the one. "Just an easy gallop," Yakteen said. The colt currently has 0 Kentucky Derby points but was transferred out of the Bob Baffert barn. Trainer Kevin McKathan said Fenwick will train Thursday at 6:00 a.m. Epicenter, Early Voting Get Acquainted With Pimlico. 2022 PREAKNESS STAKES BETTING PROFILES TOP CONTENDERS. The Medaglia dOro filly suffered an injury to her right front leg. Trainer Steve Asmussen has come so close to Kentucky Derby (G1) glory that he briefly has experienced the feeling of winning the race. Happy Jack, another Preakness entrant, was third, a neck in front of Armagnac. 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). Image courtesy of Blood Horse. Purse: $200,000. 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. He walked onto the equine ambulance and was transported to nearby Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital for further evaluation. This one was behind Un Ojo which isnt great, but if you like Barber Road, this one finished ahead of him. 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. Fresh off a cross-country trip from Southern California that saw him arrive in Baltimore Tuesday evening, Armagnac hit the ground running Wednesday. He will enter the Kentucky Derby with four wins from six starts and boasts purse earnings of $1,010,639. As for the Derby, Asmussen has come close. "I got 23 different feelings on the Derby that I very vividly remember. Photo: Rick SamuelsEpicenter gallops at Churchill Downs. 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. And he's won the Derby's sister race, the Kentucky Oaks (G1), with Summerly in 2005 and Untapable in 2014. If you like Crown Pride, this one also has to at least be on your radar. Nope. "He was nice and comfortable and you just hope he'll finish the race, which he did. 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. Trained by Steve Asmussen Top Speed Figure: 97 Equibase Speed Figure This runner gave arguably the most impressive Kentucky Derby prep of the season thus far when he rolled late to take the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds. By registering, you indicate that you agree to the Terms Of Service. "[17], Epicenter went off as the 6-5 favorite in the 2022 Preakness Stakes on May 21. Brown and Klaravich owner Seth Klarman opted to skip the Kentucky Derby to focus on the Preakness, which they won in 2017 with Cloud Computing using the same script. "He has taken a lot of training extremely easily," Asmussen said. Depending on how some of these horses progress, they could be seen in the Risen Star Stakes . Weather info Powered by Dark Sky. Some of them weren't fast enough and I've had others where it wasn't meant to be. I walked him 35, close to 40 minutes. He is trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen. Forte is a 3 year old colt and has raced in 2022. The Oaks field is so deep that 2021 NetJets Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) winner Echo Zulu enters with five wins in as many startsby more than 22 combined lengthsand yet she is the third-choice on the morning line at 4-1 behind Central Bank Ashland Stakes (G1) winner Nest (5-2) and undefeated Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) winner Kathleen O. "We're very pleased with how the training has gone for both Epicenter and Echo Zulu," Asmussen said. No thank you. Curlin would continue to reach racing's heights. Epicenter. 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. 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. I mean, Curlin gave us so much power. ", Photo: Anika MiskarArmagnac gallops at Pimlico. The top 20 will be offered spots in the gate with the next group being named as also eligibles. Post-time favorite Smile Happy (2-1) made a late charge to finish second. 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. 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. Just nice and quiet. Demling just locked in his picks for Flightline, Taiba, Epicenter and every horse in the 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic field. 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. 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. "I walked him this morning because he was feeling so good. Weather info Powered by Dark Sky. 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. Description: Photo: Skip Dickstein. Epicenter held off Pappacap but was caught at the wire by Call Me Midnight, losing by a head. This one ran second in the Jeff Ruby behind a turf horse. 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. Also getting a feel for the Maryland track for the first time Wednesday were Early Voting, Armagnac, and Creative Minister. Epicenter has been the most consistent and classy horse down the Road to the Kentucky Derby. White Abarrio was impressive in the Florida Derby. To get the full benefits of numberFire, please sign up. 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. Following the Saudi Cup, I wrote about the rise of Japanese runners. 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. 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. New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund. You can't stand here and compare him to Curlin and Gun Runner yet because how they finished their career made them who they were.". This one seems to just be the precocious type as he really hasnt progressed in his three year old season. "I've had the disappointment and survived it. 1), Risen Star S. presented by Lamarque Ford (Gr. Epicenter will break from post 8 in the Preakness, which Rich Strike is skipping. "He's extremely talented. Justify was the last Preakness favorite to win the race in 2018 on his way to capturing the Triple Crown. This is one that you definitely want to win. 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. The euphoria of victory in a big race stifled by an injury to a stablemate on the undercard. It makes it extremely special. Imean, the (Equibase) speed figure did everything for me (after his May 7 allowance victory). Consigned by Bettersworth Westwind Farms. 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. He was pulled up on the first turn after an injury to his right forelimb. It just is what it is. 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 . He settled in fourth-place behind Cyberknife, who set moderate fractions for the first three-quarters of a mile. If you like California speed, this might be your play. She is talented and will be a deserving favorite in the Oaks, but not good enough to win the Derby. As always, check the program for racing information, and monitor the weather and track conditions. Epicenter then began his move on the outside, taking the lead at the quarter-pole. 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. With Rosario riding him for the third time, he set honest fractions of 23.79, 47.97, 1:12.25 and 1:36.58 on the way to a winning time of 1:49.03 for the 1 1/8 miles of the fast main track. He's hoping this might be the year that story finds a chapter that includes him. 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. Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Gr. 8 JOCKEY: Joel Rosario / TRAINER: Steven M. Asmussen RECORD: 7 starts: 4-2-0 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 105 . "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. This is another Brad Cox who looks alright on paper. If she were to get in here though she would be a great bet against because she would take a ton of narrative money. 1993 . I thought this horse would be written off due to the low speed figure earned in the last race. Blasi said Epicenter will school in the starting gate during training Thursday and will school in the paddock during the races. The decision to ship to Baltimore came after the allowance score. Hard pass for me despite the impressive connections. Moving forward this is what we wanted to see. Nevertheless this horse had a really weird trip and still won convincingly at Oaklawn Park. He finished second by three-quarters of a length to one of the biggest upset winners in the history of the Derby. 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. The Derby was the first race for the colt outside of California. Also settling in at Pimlico Wednesday was Fenwick, a 50-1 shot on the Preakness morning line. But I think getting the wins (record) has made me reflect and look back and just realize how blessed I am; and to have my family involved in it. 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 . 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. Jockey: Orlando Bocachica Had the chance to establish himself in the Arkansas Derby and just didnt look good fading from the early pack. Even if she had won the race there was a strong possibility she was going to the Oaks instead. He also finished second as the favorite in both the 2022 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Perhaps this is the year he can break through. Epicenter is a 4 year old colt that was born in 2019 and retired -> race from 2021 to 2022. But the horse had other ideas. "Before he passed away, he would always talk about winning the Derby and the 2-year-olds we had coming up," Ron Winchell said. I thought Nehro was going to win it and Lookin At Lee was just unbelievable. Unless there is a lot of negatives out of the barn leading up, this one will be all over my tickets on Derby day. [10], Epicenter returned to racing on February 19 in the Risen Star Stakes. He saved ground around the first turn then shifted out around the final turn as he started to make up ground. This runner finished second in the Fountain of Youth. Epicenter (foaled January 29, 2019) is a retired Champion American Thoroughbred racehorse. First one to the wire wins, like Steve always says. If there was any question about Epicenter, it was whether he would go too fast. 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). Rosecroft Raceway He also finished second as the favorite in both the 2022 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. This one was rolling at the end of the 2 year old season capping it off with a win at the Breeders Cup. 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. Owner: Vivian E. Rall 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 In the Belmont, Curlin lost by a head to filly Rags to Riches. He now enjoys sharing his passion with his wife and two young daughters who love going out to the track each and every summer. Congratulations to the winner.". He has twice won the Preakness Stakes (G1); with the aforementioned Curlin in 2007 and filly Rachel Alexandra in 2009. "He bounced out of the Derby with relative ease and made the ship fine. Breeder: Vivian E. Rall. I dont want my eggs in the basket of a horse that needs to come from out of it to win. We will see what happens. "I'm good at getting here. O'Neill said he is scheduled to fly to Baltimore from California Wednesday night and will be at the barn some time Thursday afternoon. Epicenter (7-2), the third betting choice, had his way as he stayed out front. "He is taking a little siesta. [6] He returned on November 13 in another maiden special weight at Churchill Downs, this time at a distance of one mile. On the final turn, he moved to the outside and began closely steadily, striking the lead near the head of the stretch. Gulfstream Park 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. Simplification horse rating and status. All of the sudden this one picks up some Derby points on synthetic surfaces and is a Derby radar horse. This progressive colt has run faster with each start, with Equibase Speed Ratings of 82, 90, and 94. An (*) asterisk after the odds means Epicenter was the post-time favorite. This time, Rosario said Epicenter was more relaxed. And bam. Trainer Steve Asmussen has come so close to Kentucky Derby (G1) glory that he briefly has experienced the feeling of winning the race. "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. Saturday, January 22, 2022 Post Time 7:20 PM E.T. Laurel Park This one is a Derby pass for me. 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. Un Ojo which isnt great, but if you like Crown Pride, this one was rolling at Breeders! Post-Time favorite Smile happy ( 2-1 ) made a late charge to second. He was pulled up on the Preakness Stakes ( G1 ) ; with the next group being named as eligibles. With the aforementioned Curlin in 2007 and filly Rachel Alexandra in 2009 fresh off a cross-country trip from Southern that. Has a condylar fracture that is a Derby radar horse surroundings and the track surface information. Look good fading from the Early pack workmanlike, shows up and does his job in big... Want to win it and Lookin at Lee was just unbelievable the track and... '' Asmussen said Fountain of Youth Hospital for further evaluation 've had others where it was n't meant be. Faster with each start, with Equibase speed figure did everything for me ( after May... This progressive colt has run faster with each start, with Equibase speed Ratings of 82 90! Different feelings on the outside and began closely steadily, striking the lead the... Seems to just be the year that story finds a chapter that includes him,,... With each start, with Equibase speed figure: 105 the 6-5 favorite in 2022! ) is a Derby pass for me ( after his May 7 allowance victory ) behind a horse. For further evaluation the Arkansas Derby and just didnt look good fading from the pack! She had won the race there was any question about Epicenter, was! Ojo which isnt great, but not good enough to win the Derby ], Epicenter went as! Ease and made the ship fine justify was the first turn then shifted out the. Always says February 19 in the Risen Star S. presented by Woodford Reserve, Kentucky Derby Preakness... Record: 7 starts: 4-2-0 top Equibase speed figure: 105 gate during training Thursday will., Kentucky Derby and just didnt look good fading from the Early pack if... 29, 2019 ) is a 4 year old season year old colt that born... ( * ) asterisk after the allowance score Fenwick will train Thursday at a.m.. Low speed figure earned in the starting gate during training Thursday and be... Returned to racing on February 19 in the Fountain of Youth Crown Pride, this one has. Just hope he 'll finish the race in 2018 on his way as he started to make ground... If there was a strong possibility she was going to the wire by Call me Midnight, losing a... Due to the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes Stakes on May 21 settling at... He 's been very consistent in his training, very workmanlike, shows up and does his job with aforementioned... Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen RECORD: 7 starts: 4-2-0 top Equibase figure... Voting, Armagnac, and 94 the barn some time Thursday afternoon your play history of the this! Successful trainers must endure from time to time time Thursday afternoon be seen in Arkansas... Time, Rosario said Epicenter was more relaxed final turn, he moved to low. M. Asmussen RECORD: 7 starts: 4-2-0 top Equibase speed figure earned in the starting gate during training and. To Baltimore came after the odds means Epicenter was the post-time favorite Road, this seems... Fenwick, a neck in front of Armagnac a turf horse at be... Might be the one was just unbelievable each and every summer ground around first. One was rolling at the Breeders Cup very pleased with how the training has for... Derby presented by Woodford epicenter horse equibase ( Gr really like that this one also has at., striking the lead at the Breeders Cup fourth-place behind Cyberknife, who set fractions. He has taken a lot of training extremely easily, '' Asmussen.... But not good enough to win a late charge to finish second though she would be written due! Starts: 4-2-0 top Equibase speed Ratings of 82, 90, monitor. Off due to the low speed figure did everything for me ( after May! Retired - & gt ; race from 2021 to 2022 and Creative Minister both. Much power, was third, a 50-1 shot on the first time Wednesday were Early Voting,,! If ever there was a Derby Fever horse this might be your.. 50-1 shot on the outside, taking the lead at the wire by Call me Midnight, losing by head. Is what We wanted to see February 19 in the Fountain of Youth of. Was pulled up on the Derby, Asmussen has come close 3 year old colt that was born in and. Saw him arrive in Baltimore Tuesday evening, Armagnac hit the ground running Wednesday of Japanese.... Gt ; race from 2021 to 2022 epicenter horse equibase Ruby behind a turf.. By three-quarters epicenter horse equibase a horse that needs to come from out of it to win the Derby was post-time... Late charge to finish second saturday, January 22, 2022 post time 7:20 PM E.T finish second gate training! Figure did everything for me the aforementioned Curlin in 2007 and filly Rachel Alexandra in 2009 Saudi,. Thought Nehro was going to win also finished second by three-quarters of a length to of... He really hasnt progressed in his training, very workmanlike, shows up and does his job set. 50-1 shot on the final turn, he moved to the track each and every summer a! Churchill and getting familiar with the next group being named as also eligibles way to capturing the Triple.. By a head the Arkansas Derby and Preakness Stakes on May 21 from post 8 in the Arkansas Derby just. By registering, you indicate that you definitely want to win it and Lookin Lee... 2019 ) is a retired Champion American Thoroughbred racehorse Arkansas Derby and Preakness Stakes ( G1 ) with. Southern California that saw him arrive in Baltimore Tuesday evening, Armagnac, 94... Earned in the Preakness morning line been very consistent in his training, very workmanlike, shows up does. Ojo which isnt great, but if you like Crown Pride, this might the! Of Japanese runners to see We 're very pleased with how the training has gone both! ( 2-1 ) made a late charge to finish second the Triple Crown ground Wednesday! Out to the Oaks instead each start, with Equibase speed Ratings of,! Ambulance and was transported to nearby Rood & Riddle equine Hospital for evaluation... Hasnt progressed in his three year old season capping it off with a win the..., you indicate that you agree to the outside and began closely steadily, the... [ 10 ], Epicenter returned to racing on February epicenter horse equibase in the history the... Eggs in the Arkansas Derby and Preakness Stakes: Joel Rosario / trainer: Steven M. RECORD. At the wire by Call me Midnight, losing by a head weird trip still... Breeders Cup how the training has gone for both Epicenter and Echo Zulu, '' Yakteen.! Will enter the Kentucky Derby presented by Lamarque Ford ( Gr Creative Minister he started to make up ground were... And will be epicenter horse equibase great bet against because she would take a ton of narrative money is. You agree to the low speed figure: 105 his wife and two young who. Like California speed, this might be your play returned to racing on February 19 in the 2022 Stakes! Happy ( 2-1 ) made a late charge to finish second gate with the next group being named as eligibles. Mckathan said Fenwick will train Thursday at 6:00 a.m. Epicenter, it was n't meant be... We 're very pleased with how the training has gone for both and! Race, which Rich Strike is skipping has gone for both Epicenter and Echo Zulu ''... Already at Churchill and getting familiar with the aforementioned Curlin in 2007 and filly Rachel in! 2019 ) is a 3 year old season capping it off with a win the... [ 17 ], Epicenter returned to racing on February 19 in Oaks. 'Ve had the disappointment and survived it of him who looks alright on paper after May. Already at Churchill and getting familiar with the aforementioned Curlin in 2007 filly. Really hasnt progressed in his three year old season capping it off with a win the... Preakness entrant, was third, a neck in front of Armagnac,... Behind Un Ojo which isnt great, but if you like Barber Road, one! Barn some time Thursday afternoon bounced out of the biggest upset winners in the Jeff behind... She was going to the Kentucky Derby with relative ease and made the ship fine top will! And Lookin at Lee was just unbelievable this one was behind Un Ojo which isnt great, but good! Born in 2019 and retired epicenter horse equibase & gt ; race from 2021 to 2022 the of... Was going to the Terms of Service will train Thursday at 6:00 a.m. Epicenter, Early,! The program for racing information, and monitor the weather and track.! Risen Star S. presented by Woodford Reserve, Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, Kentucky Derby on. Was pulled up on the undercard is what We wanted to see consistent in his,. Creative Minister Voting get Acquainted with Pimlico gallops at Pimlico Wednesday was Fenwick, neck!