Epicenter wins Derby prep, runs away with Gun Runner Stakes

The team of trainer Steve Asmussen, jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. and owner Ron Winchell is not unfamiliar with the winner’s circle at Fair Grounds. It was only appropriate they should combine to win the track’s newest points prep for the Kentucky Derby.

After he dueled for the lead throughout the race, Epicenter (5-2) pulled away in the long homestretch for a 6 1/2-length victory in the $100,000 Gun Runner Stakes, a two-turn, 1 1/16-mile test for 2-year-olds.

Epicenter pulled away from the late charge by Tejano Twist (9-2), who finished second. Surfer Dude (10-1), who battled Epicenter for the early lead, held on for third. Kevin’s Folly (8-1) was fourth.

Odds-on favorite Rocket Dawg (4-5), trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Florent Geroux, looked rank through the first half of the race and withered to finish sixth in the field of seven.

Click here for Fair Grounds entries and results.

Sired by Not This Time, Epicenter earned 10 qualifying points toward the May 7 Kentucky Derby. Tejano Twist got four points, Surfer Dude two and Kevin’s Folly one.

A $260,000 purchase as a yearling bred by Westwind Farms, Epicenter was clocked at 1:44.19 on the fast main track after early fractions of 24.41, 47.76, 1:12.57 and 1:37.63.