Godolphin homebred Encino has been ruled out of the May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1) because of a reported soft tissue strain.
Trainer Brad Cox said the decision, which was made April 30, was a result of his colt being "off" after training Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs. Cox told Daily Racing Form that Encino was sent to Dr. Larry Bramlage at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington. The son of Nyquist was "diagnosed with a soft tissue strain that will require 30 days off," according to DRF.
"Little bit of time and rest and treatment and hopefully he'll be fine," Cox told the publication.
After an initial runner-up finish last year, Encino is undefeated in three races in 2024, including a three-quarter length victory in the Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland.
Calls to Cox and Godolphin USA director of bloodstock Michael Banahan were not returned. Godolphin posted on X Tuesday afternoon that Encino was undergoing evaluation for a lameness issue.
This marks Godolphin and Cox's second disappointing scratch in a Triple Crown race in the past 12 months. First Mission was withdrawn from the 2023 Preakness Stakes (G1) for physical reasons.
Cox has two other runners in the Derby, Catching Freedom and Just a Touch, who both galloped at Churchill Tuesday and schooled in the paddock.
Replacing Encino, who was scheduled to break from post 9 Saturday, is Epic Ride, who will have post 20. He was last seen finishing third in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland behind Sierra Leone and Just a Touch. Owned by Welch Racing and bred by Fred Hertrich III, Epic Ride is by 2010 champion older horse and Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner Blame . Epic Ride is 2-1-1 from four starts this year.
Trainer John Ennis told BloodHorse he was optimistic about the strides Epic Ride would take on dirt after the Blue Grass served as his first foray on the main track. His previous four starts were on Turfway Park's synthetic surface.
"The horse has always progressed from each run," Ennis said. "His first run on the dirt was a fantastic effort. .... I think he's only going to get better as the year goes on."
Ennis said he didn't expect his horse to get in because it potentially meant some setback happening to one of the Derby horses and he wouldn't wish that on any of them. But now that Epic Ride is in the field, he's looking forward to the challenge.
He said, "I'm pretty excited. It's kind of surreal.
"I never thought I would really get in there because I didn't think the point structure would work in my favor. .... There was no real expectations of getting in."
Epic Ride is his first Derby runner. The Irishman has 937 career starters with a 121-129-121 record and more than $5 million in earnings.
Encino's withdrawal leaves Average Joe Racing Stables and Dan Wells' also-eligible Mugatu next in line to gain entry if another Derby scratch occurs before 9 a.m. ET on May 3.
