I do like Encino among the 20-1 tier, but I think I like Just Steel a little more. Stronghold is worth a look, but I can do without the rest.
The Lexington came up speed-biased in TFUS. Encino won that wire to wire. He put up an otherwise respectable fig, but he was "giving everything he's got."
He didn't need the lead to win the John Battaglia Memorial. He had an uneventful trip, other than steering around favored Epic Ride in the stretch, after following his move out of the far turn. Not like he endured a bunch of hard knocks to prep him for the Derby.
Seems somewhat evenly capable early and late, maybe a handy sort. Plenty of upside in his fifth race. I figure maybe he outruns his odds, usable, but not a key for me.
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