Trainer Steve Asmussen, jockey Joel Rosario
Epicenter (1-1) did not get the easy lead that he enjoyed on the same Fair Grounds main track last month. In fact, he did not get to the front Saturday until a mile into the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby.
But he was in the lead at the end, pulling away to win the $1 million race by 2 1/2 lengths in a track-record time of 1:54.38 for the 1 3/16 miles.
The victory capped a five-win day for trainer Steve Asmussen and jockey Joel Rosario. With Epicenter, they also won last month’s Risen Star (G2). Now they carry all that momentum into the May 7 running of the Kentucky Derby.
Early pacesetter Zozos (5-2), who was passed with about three-sixteenths of a mile to go, held on for second after establishing early fractions of 23.27, 47.35, 1:11.69 and 1:36.16.
Pioneer of Medina (15-1), who threw rider Tyler Gaffalione in the post parade and briefly ran off, recomposed himself and took third. Rattle N Roll (6-1) came in fourth of the nine finishers.
For the top four finishers, the race was worth 100-40-20-10 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby. Epicenter already was qualified after his Risen Star victory. Pioneer of Medina may have enough points to join him at Churchill Downs on May 7.
A $260,000 Not This Time colt, Epicenter is owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, who also is a partner with L and N Racing in Echo Zulu, who won the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) on Saturday with Asmussen and Rosario.
