Louisville, Kentucky, November 7, 2025
Encino, a versatile racehorse trained by Brad Cox, is gearing up for the $300,000 River City Stakes at Churchill Downs. This prestigious race features a competitive field including multiple graded stakes winners. With a scheduled post time of 5:55 p.m. ET, fans can watch the excitement live on NBC Sports or stream it online. Encino’s adaptability across various surfaces positions him as a strong contender in this 1 1/8-mile turf race.
Louisville, Kentucky – Godolphin’s versatile runner, Encino, is set to compete in the $300,000 River City Stakes (Grade III) on Saturday at Churchill Downs. The 1 1/8-mile turf race is the highlight of an 11-race program, with a scheduled post time of 5:55 p.m. Eastern Time.
Trained by Brad Cox, Encino has demonstrated adaptability across various surfaces, securing victories on dirt, turf, and all-weather tracks. His recent performances include a 1¾-length win in the Presque Isle Mile, a turf victory in the Jonathan B. Schuster Memorial Stakes at Horseshoe Indianapolis, and a win on dirt in the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland.
Assistant trainer Trace Messina highlighted Encino’s versatility and tactical flexibility, noting his ability to perform on any surface, whether leading the race or sitting off the pace.
The River City Stakes features a competitive field of 12 turf specialists, including Mercante, a multiple graded stakes winner trained by Brian Knippenberg, returning to Churchill Downs after a neck victory in the Arlington Stakes in May. Lagynos is the morning-line favorite at 9-2, with jockey Frankie Dettori aboard, while Chasing the Crown, trained by Mike Maker, is also a strong contender.
Encino will be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., with post position 4. The race is set to take place over the Matt Winn Turf Course at Churchill Downs.
Fans can watch the River City Stakes live on NBC Sports or stream it online through the official Churchill Downs website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the River City Stakes?
The River City Stakes is a Grade III thoroughbred horse race held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It is contested over a distance of 1 1/8 miles on the turf course and offers a purse of $300,000.
Who is Encino?
Encino is a thoroughbred racehorse trained by Brad Cox and owned by Godolphin. He has demonstrated versatility with victories on dirt, turf, and all-weather surfaces, including wins in the Presque Isle Mile, Jonathan B. Schuster Memorial Stakes, and Lexington Stakes.
When is the River City Stakes scheduled?
The River City Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025, with a post time of 5:55 p.m. Eastern Time.
Where can I watch the River City Stakes?
The River City Stakes will be broadcast live on NBC Sports and can also be streamed online through the official Churchill Downs website.
Key Features of the River City Stakes
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Race Name | River City Stakes (Grade III) |
| Location | Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky |
| Distance | 1 1/8 miles |
| Surface | Turf |
| Purse | $300,000 |
| Scheduled Post Time | 5:55 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, November 8, 2025 |
| Broadcast | Live on NBC Sports and streaming online through Churchill Downs’ official website |
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