Video: Ennis has 1st Kentucky Derby starter with Epic Ride

Trainer John Ennis found out Tuesday that he would have his first Kentucky Derby starter when Epic Ride drew in after Encino was scratched.

Epic Ride, a son of Blame who was purchased by Welch Racing for $160,000 as a yearling, has a record of 5: 2-2-1.

His first four starts were on the Tapeta at Turfway Park. He broke his maiden in January on his second try and then won the listed Leonatus Stakes by four lengths. In the John Battaglia Memorial, he was overtaken by Encino in the stretch and lost by a length. Then he went to Keeneland for the Grade 1 Blue Grass and finished third behind two other Derby horses, Sierera Leone and Just a Touch.

"We've trained him as if he's going to run in the Derby," Ennis said Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs. "He's been training great, he's sharp, he's fit."

Ennis said jockey Adam Beschizza said after Epic Ride broke his maiden that he thought the horse would prefer dirt. "He ran fantastic" at Keeneland in the Blue Grass. So I think he's a versatile horse, I don't think dirt is an issue."

Ennis, 42 worked in his native Ireland as well as England and Dubai before coming to the U.S. and landing at Turfway Park. His 18 winners there during the fall and winter seasons combined ranked second only to Brad Cox. He has never won a graded stakes, and Epic Ride in the Blue Grass was his first starter in a Grade 1.

Ennis's stable topped $1 million in earnings last year for the first time, pulling in $1.5 million.