Derby Favorite “Uncle Mo” Loses Final Warmup Race

An insane past weekend of unexpected results in prep races has made the road to the Kentucky Derby an uncertain place for even the best of horses and their trainers.

Toby’s Corner gave unbeaten champion and strong Derby favorite Uncle Mo his first career loss a few days ago, while inexperienced Midnight Interlude grabbed a surprise win in the Santa Anita Derby recently, boosting it’s chances of being a decent favorite in the 137th Kentucky Derby on May 7th, 2011.

Trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Mike Repole told reporters on Sunday that Uncle Mo came out of his setback well and plans to ship the horse to Churchill Downs on April 18 have not – and will not – be changing any time soon.  Uncle Mo’s only physical issue from his prior race was a small cut on his foot when he hit his hooves together during the defeat.

“Uncle Mo is physically sound today,” said Pletcher in a statement released April 10. “He walked the shedrow this morning. He did grab his quarter, about the size of a nickel, at the start of the race but it is very minor and insignificant. It will heal quickly and shouldn’t be an issue.”

As it stands, Uncle Mo will definitely be the slight favorite as of today’s updates, but other horses are looking to come in strong once they’re settled in at Churchill Downs towards the end of April.

Dialed In and Mucho Macho Man are also strong competitors that will come into the May 7th race with high hopes and big expectations, as both horses are highly ranked and are the betting radar for many sports bettors who plan on throwing down big wagers on the event.