Epicenter: Preakness contender profile
Epicenter winning the Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds (Photo by Amanda Hodges Weir/Hodges Photography)
May 18th, 2022
Listed as the 6-5 morning line favorite, Epicenter exits a bitter second in the Kentucky Derby in which he powered clear in upper stretch and appeared home-free after turning back Zandon, only to be nailed late by 80-1 Rich Strike, who was fortunate to draw in from the also-eligible list the day before the race.
Epicenter has a big chance to make amends in the Preakness. A resounding winner of the Louisiana Derby (G2) and Risen Star (G2), the Kentucky-bred colt was bet down to 4-1 favoritism at Churchill Downs, and Epicenter has the versatility to be placed anywhere during the opening stages.
Epicenter Speed Figures
Top Brisnet Speed: 101 (twice), Kentucky Derby and Louisiana Derby
Top Brisnet Late Pace: 106, Louisiana Derby
Epicenter Pedigree
Sire: Not This Time
Epicenter is from the second crop of Not This Time, who established himself as a top contender for the 2017 Kentucky Derby when recording a neck second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) but unfortunately never raced again. By three-time leading sire Giant’s Causeway, Not This Time will also have Kentucky Derby fourth-placer Simplification in the Preakness field.
Dam: Silent Candy
Epicenter is out of the stakes-winning Silent Candy, a daughter of Candy Ride. Best known for siring champions Gun Runner, Shared Belief, and Game Winner, Candy Ride looks poised for success as a broodmare sire, as well. Simplification is also out of a mare by Candy Ride.
Epicenter Connections
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds
Joan and Ron Winchell’s Winchell Thoroughbreds paid $260,000 for Epicenter as a yearling.
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Thoroughbred racing’s winningest trainer, Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen will seek his third Preakness victory, scoring with eventual Hall of Famers Curlin (2007) and Rachel Alexandra (2009). He finished second with Midnight Bourbon last year, and Epicenter will be his 15th Preakness starter.
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Winner of the Kentucky Derby and Belmont, Joel Rosario has yet to break through in the second leg of the Triple Crown, finishing second thrice aboard Ride on Curlin (2014), Tale of Verve (2015), and Everfast (2019).
Learn about all of the Preakness Stakes Contenders and insight from our expert handicappers on the lead up to race day here on TwinSpires.com
