Godolphin’s Encino passed his first test racing on dirt with flying colors Saturday when he posted a three-quarter length victory in the Stonestreet Lexington (G3).

The victory gave trainer Brad Cox his third consecutive win in the race and fourth overall. 

Like Cox’s 2019 winner Owendale, Encino received much of his early education from Cox assistant Tessa Walden.

“This one is faster,” Walden said of Encino. “Owendale got started earlier as a 2-year-old at Ellis Park, and he was a bigger horse and took more time to develop. Encino is lighter, quick on his feet – almost cat-like.”

Owendale wound up earning more than $1.5 million in his career with three Grade 3 wins, seven graded stakes placings and a third in the Preakness (G1) following his Stonestreet Lexington victory.

“We got Encino late as a 2-year-old at Turfway Park,” Walden said of the Northern Kentucky facility that has an all-weather track. “I was pretty confident in him before his first start. With the Godolphin pedigree, there is a good chance they will be pretty good.”

Encino is scheduled to join Cox’s main string at Churchill Downs this week. 

With his Stonestreet Lexington victory, Encino moved into 21^st place on the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard. Following the defection Sunday morning of No More Time, Encino moved to No. 19 and a guaranteed spot in the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) Presented by Woodford Reserve on May 4 at Churchill Downs should his connections decide to enter.