DAN ILLMAN

EPICENTER ARMAGNAC CREATIVE MINISTER SIMPLIFICATION

Joel Rosario and EPICENTER did everything right but win in the Kentucky Derby. They shrugged off a bump at the start, settled into a nice spot along the inside on the backstretch, and hit all the requisite holes to obtain the lead turning for home. Epicenter gamely parried Zandon’s thrust at the furlong marker, but perhaps felt the effects of racing closest to that blazing pace when he succumbed to the rail-skimming upset winner in the final yards. The pace probably won’t be as quick in the Preakness and his tactical speed should have him in a good tracking position.

ARMAGNAC hasn’t done much in two stakes appearances but received a confidence boost when wiring first-level allowance runners at Santa Anita. That wasn’t the strongest race in the world, however, and they did run 1-2-3 all the way around the track. He does have the speed to get close to the pace here and retains some upside potential.

CREATIVE MINISTER is a neck away from being undefeated, and he ran down the pacesetter to take a first-level race on the Derby undercard. This is a well-bred colt that has improved on the Beyer scale in each start. If this pace heats up, he might be the one to directly benefit.

SIMPLIFICATION continued his string of positive performances with a good fourth in the Derby. The trip and race flow worked in his favor, and he had a big look at it when they straightened away for home. He is versatile in terms of running style and can be a lot closer to the pace if necessary.

EARLY VOTING comes into the Preakness a fresh horse for a great trainer, and there’s a chance he’ll shake loose heading into the clubhouse turn. He proved he could go fast early and still win when he won the Withers two starts back. This looks like a nice spot for SECRET OATH, who took advantage of quick fractions when impressively capturing the Kentucky Oaks. Ran well against males two starts back and has an impressive burst of speed when called upon.