Uncle Mo Derby Chances Uncertain

Sources: SportsBettingWorld.com, Associated Press

23 April 2011

Kentucky Derby favourite Uncle Mo has had quite an eventful racing career thus far. Winning the Breeders Cup Juvenile last November, he was suddenly a superstar favourite for the Derby. However, following his third place finish at the Wood Memorial two weeks ago, Uncle Mo's Derby chances may be slimming.

Trainer Todd Pletcher says Uncle Mo won't be racing unless he's 100% ready. That means shaking the nasty gastrointestinal infection that blood tests recently revealed, and filling in the quarter sized chunk of hoof that was torn off at the Wood Memorial. Pletcher says Mo needs a "good 19 days" if he's going to enter the Derby.

Pending internal soundness, Uncle Mo will be continuing to work at Churchill Downs. However, the Derby may now be more of a toss up between several contenders, opposed to the once seemingly predictable outcome.

Read full articles here & here.