Bad Day for Uncle Mo

It was a shocking day on Saturday for those who follow Uncle Mo. The previously undefeated favored race horse suffered a surprising upset, finishing third in the $1 million Wood Memorial at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York City. This was Uncle Mo’s first loss, and he lost to a pair of three year old horses with little credentials behind their names.

Stunning Loss

The loss was such a stunning surprise that trainer Todd Pletcher was actually noncommittal when asked about the Derby set for May 7. “I have no idea” he explained, when asked about the big race.

As the race began, Uncle Mo momentarily hesitated before entering the starting gate. Uncle Mo’s sole jockey, John Velazquez, reported that Uncle Mo never seemed to get comfortable during the race. As Velazquez said, “He was pulling the whole way. He was never in a relaxed mode.”

We All Have Bad Days

As owner Mike Repole explained, “Sometimes horses and athletes have bad days. This was a bad day.”

Up until now, Uncle Mo has shown no reason for concern. His debut was amazing, as he over powered the filed by 14  ¼ lengths on August 28th at New York’s Saratoga Race Course.

Now, the Derby looms ahead with no clear cut favorite. Both Premier Pegasus and Jaycito who were the top two choices earlier in the week in the Santa Anita Derby are now injured. And now, Uncle Mo joins those who are questionable for the Derby. Time will now tell what will become at the Derby.