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Godolphin owned, Encino, has been withdrawn from the the Gr.1 Kentucky Derby. The unfortunate news was delivered by trainer Brad Cox, who revealed that Encino sustained a soft tissue strain during training at Churchill Downs. The colt was immediately sent to Dr. Larry Bramlage at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington for evaluation, where it was decided that he will need 30 days off to recover. Encino's withdrawal from the race is a big blow for Cox, who had high hopes for the son of Nyquist, especially after his impressive undefeated record in three races this year, including a victory at the Gr.3 Lexington Stakes.
This is not the first time that Cox and Godolphin have had to withdraw a runner from a Triple Crown race due to physical issues. It's a tough pill to swallow for the team, especially when there are only a few days left for the prestigious Run for the Roses. Cox still has two other horses in the race, Catching Freedom and Just a Touch.
Encino's withdrawal has opened up a spot for Epic Ride, who will now be competing in the Kentucky Derby instead. The colt, owned by Welch Racing and bred by Fred Hertrich III, finished third in the Gr.1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland behind Sierra Leone and Just a Touch. Epic Ride will break from post 20 instead of post 9, and his trainer John Ennis is optimistic about his performance on dirt, especially after his impressive run on the dirt at Keeneland.