UNCLE MO LEADS WOOD MEMORIAL FIELD
Unbeaten champion Uncle Mo will put the finishing touches on his Triple Crown prep season in Saturday’s G1 $750,000 Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct. Trained by Todd Pletcher, the sublime son of Indian Charlie has yet to be tested from four career starts, including the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in his freshman finale. An easy winner of the Timely Writer Stakes at Gulfstream last out, the strapping colt will be very difficult to upend here with anything resembling his best showing.
Most are ducking the ‘big horse’, but among those likely to take a crack at him include Timely Writer second Rattlesnake Bridge, G3 Gotham Stakes third Toby’s Corner, Darley’s Arthur’s Tale and Gary Contessa’s Preachintothedevil.
The G1 $250,000 Carter Handicap could be led by 2010G2 Pennsylvania Derby hero Morning Line, who was second in the G1 Donn Handicap in his four-year-old debut. The talented son of Tiznow has very good speed and a ton of heart, and he was a narrow second in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile to conclude his sophomore campaign.
Recent G3 Tom Fool Handicap winner Calibrachoa is hot right now for Pletcher and looms a chance as he’s in career form. Others likely for this race include Grade 2 winner Kensei, who was 2nd in the Santana Mile last out, and Apriority, who dominated an allowance group at Gulfstream most recently.
Miracle Wood Stakes victor J J’s Lucky Train could be the one to beat in the G3 $200,000 Bay Shore Stakes for three-year-old sprinters. Mountain Valley Stakes winner Smoke it Right, Grey Planet Stakes hero Royal Currier, the talented Sensational Slam and Tyro Stakes winner Vengeful Wildcat are also in the mix for this contest.
Concluding the stakes action on this spectacular card is the G3 $150,000 Comely Stakes for sophomore fillies. Around the Twig, R Holiday Mood and Hot Summer are among the probable entries for this race.