Uncle Mo has infection; Derby status in question
April 14, 2011NEW YORK (AP) - The trainer of beaten Wood Memorial favorite Uncle Mo says the colt is being treated for a gastrointestinal tract infection and hopes the horse will be ready to run in the Kentucky Derby on May 7.
Trainer Todd Pletcher says Thursday that treatment has begun, and he's been told Uncle Mo can return to training. Pletcher says he still plans to ship Uncle Mo to Churchill Downs on April 18 and give the colt two workouts before making a Derby decision.
Uncle Mo finished third in the Wood as the 1-10 favorite on Saturday after rolling to four straight wins. Blood tests were done Tuesday, and veterinarians told Pletcher and owner Mike Repole about the infection.
Before the defeat, Uncle Mo was the leading Derby contender.