Epicenter shows different dimension in TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby

Mar 27, 2022 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

Displaying a versatility that will come in handy in the May 7 Kentucky Derby
(G1), Epicenter rallied from slightly off the pace to register a
convincing victory in Saturday's $1 million
TwinSpires.com
Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds.

Known more for his front-running tactics this winter when taking the Gun
Runner S., finishing second by a head in the Lecomte (G3), and then rebounding
in the Risen Star (G2), Epicenter saved ground in third behind stakes newcomer
Zozos and Pioneer of Medina for most of the 1 3/16-mile journey. Shifted outside
that pair by Joel Rosario approaching the quarter pole, Epicenter stormed to the
lead in upper stretch and won by 2 1/2 lengths as the even-money favorite in a
field of nine.

'He's made some great progress over the winter and done so good over the
surface at Fair Grounds,' said Asmussen, who teamed up with Rosario to win five
races at the track on Saturday. 'It gives us a tremendous amount of confidence
in him going into the Kentucky Derby.'

Epicenter paid $4 and covered the distance in 1:54.38, eclipsing the track
mark of 1:55.06 set by Hot Rod Charlie in the 2021 Louisiana Derby. Zosos
finished second by two lengths over Pioneer of Medina, with Rattle N Roll 3 1/2
lengths behind in fourth. The order of finish was rounded out by Galt, Lecomte
winner Call Me Midnight, Kapuna, Curly Tail, and Silent Power.

Owned by Ron Winchell, Epicenter earned 100 Kentucky Derby qualifying points
for the victory, boosting his total to 164. Zozos earned his initial 40 points
and should make the Derby cut, while Pioneer of Medina could be a borderline
prospect with a current total of 25 points. Rattle N Roll earned 10 points and
now has 20.

A son of Not This Time, Epicenter now possesses a record of 6-4-1-1,
$1,010,639. Bred in Kentucky by Westwind Farm, he was produced by the
stakes-winning Silent Candy, by Candy Ride, and brought $260,000 as a Keeneland
September yearling.