The Timely Writer Stakes at Gulfstream did nothing to further along Uncle Mo’s march to the Derby. It was a glorified workout, going a one turn mile, with a nice gallop out. And? Nothing new was learned, except for some reason, he seems to be going along the path of least resistance.
The son of Indian Charlie, who may or may not have distance limitations, looks sound and happy. Is this enough to translate into a win at Churchill in a twenty horse field, with lots of bumping and traffic troubles? Will there be enough conditioning in him, mentally and physically, to go the grueling mile and a quarter that most young 3 year olds want no part of? Will the Arch-Kris S-Roberto blood on his dam‘s side, kick in, make the difference?
Whether he stays in Florida for the Florida Derby or goes to New York for the Wood, I think Uncle Mo needs to get some dirt in his face, and he needs to overcome some adversity before we crown him the King of the Three Year old colts. I want to see what he does in a fight.
I want to see more from Mo.
Susan,
ReplyDeleteIs there a chance UNCLE MO's so brilliant that he'd pass any test thrown his way? If so, he doesn't need to purposely get dirt in his face just to taste it and get in enough trouble to risk injury.
In the BC Juvenile BOYS tried to make him run hard, but could not keep w/ UNCLE MO's pace and class.
For now, I'm content calling him the best. He did at two what only PrePeg and Soldat have come close to doing as a 3y.o. thus far. This was a terrific first race back for UNCLE MO. Call his race a workout if you must. He's already proven he's a champ.
The case with all of them??? All 20 who qualify have to answer the 1 1/4 mile question on May 7, not just UNCLE MO.
From a horseplayer perspective it's always wise to find reasons not to love the favorite. From a fan's perspective, the best just simply looks like the best.
With all that tactical and raw speed Uncle Mo possesses he's always able to get himself into a good spot for a run on/at the lead. Chances are that he won't feel dirt kicked in his face for a long time unless his running style changes dramatically.
ReplyDeleteHis Timely Writer win was better than some are giving him credit for. It was incredibly easy for him and that final quarter in 22.87 was nothing short of phenomenal after just a hand ride. For a fun comparison the last quarter of the Breeders' Cup Mile last year went in 25.85.
I think he's still way ahead of this crop.
To Amateurcapper:
ReplyDeleteGood points all, but your last paragraph says it all. It just needed one more sentence, something like...[The trick is being able to leave the "fan's perspective" at the rail or in the paddock or at your seat when you head to the betting windows.]
As always, great post, Sue
Thanks all...
ReplyDeleteWe will know a lot mo-about-mo, soon.