Horse Profile: El Encinal

Breeders' Cup Turf Scouting Report

(Editor's note: Originally published in the 2024 BRISnet Breeders' Cup International Report) 

The 14-1 winner of last December’s “Win and You’re In” Carlos Pellegrini (G1) has lost form since arriving in Southern California. His last-place efforts in both the Del Mar H. (G2) and John Henry Turf Championship (G2) offer little in the way of encouragement of a form turnaround here.

That’s unfortunate since El Encinal was on an upward curve in Argentina as a sophomore in the second half of 2023. Campaigned by Donia Pancha, the owner of 2012 Marathon hero Calidoscopio, El Encinal rose through the ranks rapidly once he confined his attention to turf routes. He graduated from a San Isidro maiden score to upset the Ensayo (G3) at 17-1, and although sixth in the Jockey Club (G1), he was beaten only 2 3/4 lengths.

El Encinal took a substantial step forward on the stretch-out to about 1 1/2 miles versus elders in the Pellegrini, dubbed South America’s “Arc.” Traveling well about midpack on the inside, he got a seam down the lane, and gamely held his position between foes until surging late. El Encinal needed just about every yard of the San Isidro stretch to prevail by a head in 2:25.46. 

Shipped to Southern California to join Mike Puype, who also managed Calidoscopio’s ensuing stateside campaign, El Encinal figured to need a prep to bring him on. But he’s failed to thrive for the barn, now under the direction of Puype’s assistant, Francisco Garcia.