Lexington Stakes winner Encino was abruptly dropped from the 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby. Encino, who won the Lexington two weeks ago and gained enough points to reach the field, secured his 20th race dock at Churchill Downs followed by a five-furlong workout. Before that, Encino went 2 for 3 at Turfway Park and also won in the John Battaglia Memorial, making him a fan favorite.

Following his exit, the equestrian world appears to be split over their feelings about the champion colt with a few far from upset. But did Epic Ride, the son of 2010 Breeders Cup Classic winner Blame, enter the Churchill Downs race?

Kentucky Derby 2024 adds new horse to lineup

Kentucky Derby is set to go underway this weekend, however, an update was shared on X by @KentuckyDerby stating, “Trainer Brad Cox has confirmed that Encino will not run in the Kentucky Derby. Also-eligible Epic Ride will draw in the race.” Godolphin Racing homebred Encino will be missing the race and instead, Epic Ride, trained by John Ennis, will enter the Kentucky Derby.

The replacer boats a 2-2-1 record from five lifetime races. While 3-year-old Encino is now 3-1-0 in four Godolphin career starts. The colt ridden by Adam Beschizza is now listed at 50-1 on the morning line. Epic Ride’s career began with a second finish in early December at Turfway Park. In February, he went on to win the Leonatus Stakes at Turfway.

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He then came second in the John Battaglia and third in the Bluegrass. He ran a mile with workout rider Sophie Doyle on Tuesday and will resume routine training, including some gate and paddock schooling. Now, head of the Churchill Downs showdown the internet commenters have come up with their opinions lined up with the replacement decision announced by Kentucky Derby.

Are people taking sides with the new horse?

The epitome of brutally honest comment, one wrote, “Encino wasn’t one of the favorites, but this is significant because it removes one of the horses with early speed.” For context, Encino led at all times on a fast main track that has favored his easy qualification in Churchill Downs.

The second perspective tossed any chance of both horses’ earning the Kentucky Derby title, “With the scratch of Encino, you can comfortably eliminate him from your tickets, and while you have the lid still open, toss Epic Ride out as well. Nice horse, but with his running style, no shot from that post.“

An interesting storyline for the Kentucky Derby lineup began a few weeks ago when Seize the Grey was the next in line for the Kentucky Derby after finishing third in the Grade 1 Blue Grass. He was 21st on the Kentucky Derby points list with 35, requiring one dropout to enter the 20-horse field. With the deflection news in, one wrote,  “Wow! Seize the Grey would be the remaining AE had he not pivoted to the Pat Day Mile.” Do you think there be more lineup changes this week?

With 20 beautiful horses on the line and one champion already out, which colt are you putting the win bet on this Kentucky Derby?