Epicenter tops 3-year-old poll heading into 2022 Kentucky Derby

By HRN Staff
Photo: Jenny Doyle/Eclipse Sportswire

Heading into the 2022 Kentucky Derby, Epicenter has been ranked by a national panel as the nation’s top 3-year-old.

The Not This Time colt ranks No. 1 in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Top 3-year-old Thoroughbred Poll released Monday. He is joined in the top 10 by nine other Kentucky Derby starters, including morning-line favorite Zandon (3-1) in second.

Steve Asmussen trains Epicenter, who was pegged as the 7-2 second choice on the Kentucky Derby morning line. He brings a 6: 4-1-0 record into the race, highlighted by Fair Grounds wins in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and Risen Star Stakes (G2).

As for the Top Thoroughbred Poll, Dubai World Cup (G1) hero Country Grammer leads the way. The currently-suspended Bob Baffert trains the 5-year-old son of Tonalist, who was second in the Saudi Cup (G1) prior to his Dubai score.

Letruska, 2021’s champion mare, ranks second after winning Oaklawn Park’s Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) in her most recent start.

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