Mercante prevails in stretch battle for first stakes win in Kentucky Cup Classic
"Every minute we get with him is like a borrowed minute," an emotional trainer Brian Knippenberg said after Mercante ($28.50) won his stakes debut, Saturday's Grade 3, $300,000 Kentucky Cup Classic at Turfway Park, in a thrilling stretch-long duel with Encino
Encino looks to press the reset button in Kentucky Cup Classic
Encino is one of several older horses entered in stakes on Saturday who made a name for themselves last year at Turfway Park. He is looking to recapture his confidence and his best form in friendly surroundings as he headlines the Grade 3, $300,000 Kentucky Cup Classic.