LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Trainer Brad Cox confirmed to Churchill Downs on Tuesday afternoon that Godolphin Racing homebred Encino will miss the Kentucky Derby, allowing Epic Ride, a son of 2010 Breeders Cup Classic winner Blame, into the race.
Epic Ride is trained by John Ennis and owned by Welch Racing LLC. He was a 30-1 choice in the morning line and is 71-1 after early wagering.
He has two wins, two seconds and a third-place finish in five career starts. He stalked the leaders and held on for third to Sierra Leone and Just a Touch in the Blue Grass Stakes last time out.
Trainer Brad Cox conducts an interview outside his barn at Churchill Downs on April 30, 2024.
Epic Ride is ridden by Adam Beschizza. He jogged a mile under exercise rider Sophie Doyle on Tuesday morning and will continue normal training, with some gate and paddock schooling, according to Ennis. He will move into the No. 20 post position, with all horses outside of Encino moving one spot to the left, including morning-line favorite (and current second-choice) Fierceness, who vacates the winless No. 17 post.
Churchill's official barn notes said Cox described Encino as "off after training" on Tuesday morning. The colt won the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland just two weeks ago.
Kentucky Derby 150 Coverage:
- BOZICH | Why your favorite horse can win the Kentucky Derby — and why he won't
- MORNINGS AT CHURCHILL | A photo album of Kentucky Derby training
- BOZICH | How often does best horse win Kentucky Derby? Don't ask
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
