Epic Ride To Enter Kentucky Derby As Encino Drops Out

The field of Kentucky Derby horses got an early shake-up. Encino has scratched from the race with several days still to go before Saturday's Run for the Roses. In his place, Epic Ride will step in as an alternate, running in the field as No. 21. He figures as a longshot in Kentucky Derby odds.

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Epic Ride In, Encino Out

Trained by Brad Cox, Encino just squeaked into the field by finishing in 18th place in the final Road to Kentucky Derby points standings. A presser described the horse as "off" and Cox did not elaborate on the withdrawal.

That clears the way for Epic Ride. Trained by John Ennis, Epic Ride was the top also-eligible, meaning the horse has been on-site at Churchill Downs working out in case any other horses dropped out.

Epic Ride began his career with a place, then a win at Maiden Special Weights. Following that, he won the Leonatus Stakes at 1 mile. He then ran a close second at the John Battaglia Memorial to Encino. In April, Epic Ride ran in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. The 1 1/8-mile race saw Epic Ride show behind fellow Kentucky Derby horses Sierra Leone and Just a Touch. The former will go off as one of the favorites come Saturday's race.

Early odds had Epic Ride a 50-1 longshot for the Kentucky Derby. However, recent precedent exists for an also-eligible longshot to make history. In 2022, Rich Strike only ran because of a late scratch but cashed in at 80-1 odds for bettors. We'll see if Epic Ride can do the same on May 4.

• Related: How to make mobile bets on the Kentucky Derby