Less than four weeks to go until the $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) and the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1), the Hall of Fame coach Steve Asmussen is the leading contender duo Epicenter and Echo Zulu back to work tab April 10 at Churchill Downs for the first time since their respective wins two weeks ago in the Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) and the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2).
Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Epicenter, the top spotter on the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard, worked 5 stretches at 1:01 Sunday at 5:50 a.m. ET while his steady friend, L and N Racing and Winchell Thoroughbreds champion Echo Zulu showed up 20 minutes ago to Epicenter and completed five hooks at 1:00 on 4/5.
Epicenter, with gymnast Wilson Fabian, worked outside the 3-year-old boy City through opening eighth fractions of: 13 2/5, :25 2/5 and :37. The duo were together for most of their brief time and completed six feather scissors in time 1: 14 3/5 comfortable and increased to seven feather scissors in 1:29 2/5.
“He’s a great individual,” Asmussen said after Epicenter’s 2-1 win in the $1 million Louisiana Derby. “He was another product of Winchell and Dr. (Dave) Lambert’s selection process. He went to school early at the mother and father’s equine center (Asmussen Equestrian Center) in Laredo, Texas. He was. heavily featured and has always been in impressive physical shape. He’s done well in his development and continues to improve as the races get longer.”
Bettors have ranked Epicenter as the 9-2 favorite in Group 5 of the Kentucky Derby Futures Betting, which ends on Saturday before the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) tournament, Runhappy Santa Anita Derby (G1) $750,000 and Wood $750,000 Memorial presented by Resorts World Casino (G2). He’s going into the Kentucky Derby with four wins in six starts and boasts a purse income of $1,010,639.
Echo Zulu, with Fabian in the saddle, worked inside the first women’s special weight class winner Belle Rebelle through the opening fractions of: 13,:24 2/5. and: 36. The duo galloped up to six spans in 1:14 on 2/5.
The undefeated Echo Zulu is the chunky 2-year-old champion in 2021 following her stress-length score of 5 1/4 in the $2 million Breeders’ Juvenile Cup (G1). Her 3-year-old debut was at Fair Grounds Oaks, where she competed in the final stages of the 1/16-mile race to hold the spot. Hidden connection with a small nose.
“She was a bit tired during the stressful time but she got the job done,” says track and field athlete Joel Rosario. “She showed what a great horse she was. She dug deep and didn’t want to be beaten.”
“She was an amazingly beautiful girl last year,” Asmussen said. “She really has a straight attitude. She has been resting and playing at Fair Grounds Oaks as a preparation and to do what she has done, when in the past many great players. won this race, she can now add her. be on that list. We’re very proud of that.”
The Echo Zulu is a perfect 5-for-5 and one of a number of fillings that can contend for favoritism in the Kentucky Oaks.
