Churchill Downs: Encino chases another graded win in River City

Godolphin’s Encino has proven his versatility with victories on dirt, turf and all-weather surfaces and will look to add another turf win to his resumé Saturday in the Grade 3, $300,000 River City at Churchill Downs.

Trained by Brad Cox, Encino enters the River City off a 1 3/4-length victory in the Presque Isle Mile, where he rallied from just off the pace to defeat seven rivals over the all-weather surface. Two months earlier, he captured the listed Jonathan B. Schuster Memorial Stakes on the turf at Horseshoe Indianapolis and last year won the Lexington (G3) on dirt at Keeneland.

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“He’s a very classy horse who gives it his all on any surface,” said Trace Messina, assistant trainer to Cox. “He’s a fast horse but has shown he’s able to sit off the pace if he needs to. We’re looking forward to him running another top effort on Saturday.”

Trainer John Ennis reported that Epic Ride likely will run in a Friday turf allowance event at Churchill Downs instead of the River City.

“It’s his final run of the year, so after this start we’ll give him a rest before the spring,” Ennis said. “I’m thinking we’ll go in Friday’s allowance instead of the (River City). I know they’re calling for rain Friday, but even if it comes off, we’ll probably still run.”

Jockey agent Ron Anderson reported to Thoroughbred Daily News’ Bill Finley that Frankie Dettori will not be aboard Lagynos in Saturday’s race. Dettori announced his retirement from North American riding after last week’s Breeders’ Cup. Dettori stated he’ll ride in South America in early 2026 then join AMO Racing as a global brand ambassador.

Run at 1 1/8 miles over Churchill's turf course, the River City will go as the finale with a post time of 5:55 p.m. EST.