Like Midshipman, War Pass and Stevie Wonderboy before him, Uncle Mo finally got the taste of Breeders’ Cup history that only Street Sense has managed to avoid. Trainer Todd Pletcher handpicked an easier route to the Derby trying to avoid the post-Breeders' bad karma that has befallen so many. Instead Pletcher, Uncle Mo and owner Mike Repole ran smack into it on Saturday. The Kentucky Derby trail is not over for Uncle Mo. What is in jeopardy though is Mo’s bid to become only the second horse to win the Derby after winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
This trip along the Derby Trail had had more twists than a Dick Francis novel, and we still have two more major prep races to go. The Kentucky Derby Top Ten lists so many pundits love to fashion with sleepers and chalky can’t-misses are in shambles.
On the East Coast, the 1-9 Uncle Mo was upset by a horse who trainer many consider the nicest guy on the planet. While Mo-Mania appears to be on hold, the is a different kind of Mo-Mania gathering steam. Animal Kingdom already won the Spiral. Graham Motion has two contenders. If Crimson China fires in the Bluegrass, Graham "Mo-Mania" Motion might have three Derby prospects in his charge.
On the West Coast, just about everyone is off the Derby Trail Well. Not everyone, but the horses every one considered at the top of the class are on the sidelines. The winner of the Santa Anita Derby, the premier Left Coast prep race, well, he was a maiden less than a month ago. Now Midnight Interlude is in the Top 10 in earnings himself and has secured a spot in Louisville on the first Saturday in May.
There are few things certain on the Derby Trail after this weekend. What is certain is the weekend that just passed is usually filled with great racing and Saturday was no exception.
With the help of Eclipse Sportswire photographers, talk a look at the scene from across the country. No slideshows this time, just big photos. THE BIG PICTURE.
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