Less than two weeks to go until the $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) and Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) $1.25 million, says Racing Hall of Fame coach Steve Asmussen Fame has selected the top candidates Epicenter (six clamps, 1:12 1/5) and Echo Zulu (six furlongs, 1:11 4/5) for the April 24 winds at Churchill Downs.
Along with rival Derby Epicenter, Teruya Yoshida’s UAE Derby was sponsored by winner Mubadala (G3) Crown Pride there was another adaptation for Run for the Roses; skimmed half a mile in: 49 1/5.
L and N Racing’s undefeated Echo Zulu and Winchell Thoroughbreds were the first of Asmussen’s duo to work. Daughter of Gunman Get some fresh air with gymnast Wilson Fabian in the saddle. The duo broke the inside of normal fellow friends Ottoman King who was ridden by former equestrian Eddie Martin Jr.
Echo Zulu at Churchill Downs
The Echo Zulu worked through eight-mile sections of: 12 1/5, :23 4/5, :35 3/5 and :47 2/5. She galloped out seven spans in 1:25 1/5, according to John Nichols, Churchill Downs watch.
In Asmussen’s next set of horses, Epicenter, with Fabian in the iron, worked outside Gun It and Martin passed the sections: 13, :24 2/5, :35 4/5 and :47 1/5. Epicenter galloped seven times lasting in 1:26 1/5 and going up a mile in 1:41.
“We are delighted that the weather has cooperated with our scheduled working days. The track was in great shape this morning,” Asmussen said after he arrived in Louisville after an eight-hour drive overnight. from Oaklawn Park. “These are the pieces that are most important to us. We’re following a pattern that we’re very comfortable with. I like the rhythm of these horses. Both of these horses have kept fellow ponies. their journey from New Orleans this winter. I” I appreciate the work Wilson and Eddie have done to help bring them to this point.
“Both of them started out as individuals and huge potential customers. We’re working towards (to) improve step by step so it doesn’t take too big of a leap. So everything is the foundation. foundation for success. Since they arrived here at Churchill, that trend has continued. I’m very excited about Echo Zulu’s first work here.”
Epicenter and Echo Zulu completed the $400,000 TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) and Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) doubles at the end of March, respectively.
Asmussen, the all-time leading North American winning coach, made 23 starts in the Kentucky Derby but failed to win the 1/4 mile. His practitioners finished second and third, twice each, in the race for the commission. His last start to the board was Look at Lee who finished second in 2017. Asmussen also finished third in 2016 with Gunman Monday in 2011 with Nehro and third in 2007 with Curlin .
“I really know what it feels like to win a Derby,” Asmussen said, explaining that he briefly thought Nehro was the winner. “I do not see Animal Kingdom down the center of the track that day. With Lookin At Lee, when Corey (Lanerie) cut corners with him and the acceleration he displayed with weary horses, it seemed like he was going fast enough to win the Derby. Always dreaming enough to hold him back. The images of those moments are delightful. I had 23 different feelings about the Derby but missed Nehro and Lookin At Lee very much.
“As for Curlin’s Derby, I never thought he’d be beaten. His Derby walk felt like a three-step loss but the back walk was like the Sahara. He went to the test warehouse after the race with Zanjero (ranked 12th) and Zanjero are blowing very hard. Curlin stepped out of the test cage and was his normal, strong self. He is capable but that is not the case. ”
Epicenter and Echo Zulu are likely to return to the track on Tuesday.
At 7:30 a.m., Crown Pride worked a half-mile from the three-feather pole through consistent fractions of: 12 2/5, :24 4/5 and: 37 1/5. He galloped out five stretches at 1:01 2/5. Coach Koichi Shintani is scheduled to arrive in Louisville on May 1 and will attend the draw for the following place on Monday, May 2.
In other Derby related news, Asmussen removed 3rd place winner Morello from the Derby consideration because the foal had a leg problem.
Also, winner Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) by Jeff Drown Zandon to Churchill on Sunday morning. He was tied up with some other stable of friends at Barn 25. The Florida Curlin Derby was presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa (GI) winner. White Abarrio Final training is expected in Florida through May 1 and arriving at Saffie Joseph’s Barn on May 10 and May 2. Simplify who finished third to White Abarrio in the Florida Derby, is expected to arrive a day ahead of coach Antonio Sano.
Sunday was the first day of field practice for Churchill Downs on the new $10 million turf. Pending inclement weather, the first grass races are scheduled for Saturday for the Spring Encounter Opening Night.
