Uncle Mo Works Half-Mile in :49 3/5

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Photo: Joe DiOrio

Uncle Mo Working
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Trainer Todd Pletcher sent 2-year-old champion Uncle Mo through an easy four-furlong breeze at Palm Meadows Sunday, Feb. 6, the colt’s second work since winning the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (gr. I) at Churchill Downs in November.

Repole Stable’s undefeated son of Indian Charlie completed the half-mile in :49 3/5.

“I thought he worked excellent,” Pletcher said. “Last week, he just had an easy three-eighths, and I was actually surprised how much he moved forward off of just that one easy work.”

Uncle Mo, who has won his three lifetime races by a combined 23 1/4 lengths, is widely considered the early favorite for the 2011 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and is working toward his 2011 debut.

“His work this morning was pretty much a textbook half-mile,” said Pletcher, who has not specified Uncle Mo's next race. “He went nice and easy and galloped out really strong. He came back not tired at all. He’ll likely go another half-mile next week.”

Uncle Mo is out of the Arch   mare Playa Maya.

Two of Pletcher’s other 3-year-olds also worked Sunday at Palm Meadows. Brethren breezed five furlongs in 1:01 (fourth best among the 23 that worked at that distance), and Stay Thirsty   breezed four furlongs in :49 3/5 (18/41).

Pletcher also indicated that WinStar Farm’s Rule  , third behind Giant Oak   and Morning Line   in the Donn Handicap (gr. I) a day earlier at Gulfstream, exited the race in fine fashion.

“He actually came out of the race exceptionally well,” he said.  “No current plans for him, but we’ll talk it over and come up with a plan.”

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