Will this be the pace?

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by Indian Charlie

The thing is, from the very beginning, Uncle Mo has always ran relaxed with a very push button racing style. What did he go in the Timely Writer, maybe 50 for the half? I don't think it would have mattered had he gone 50 or had he gone 46. The result would have been nearly the same.

He went as fast as he did last year because simply put, he was just much better than his opposition, and with his abundant natural speed, he was logically placed in a forward spot.

Had there been a suicidal pace set in the BCJ, he'd have been fine sitting much further off than he did.

The comparison to Sydney's Candy is totally irrelevant, as they have completely different running styles and demeanors. SC pulls. UM does what is asked. He's just so good, a 46 and change comes easily to him.

The point of the comparison was that people expected Sidney's Candy to stalk and be effective, much like you're expecting Uncle Mo to be as many as 7-8 lengths out. What makes you think he'd be effective from back there? He'd be getting dirt for the first time, would run the risk of going very wide much of the way and would have to pass more than one horse for the first time.

Now I'm not saying Uncle Mo should be sent on a mission to get the lead, but to allow him to settle 10 back of a :46 half-mile would be foolish. The horse has proven capable (albeit last year) of going quickly early and having plenty left.

If I were hoping for an Uncle Mo win I'd be looking for a Big Brown or Barbaro type of trip, close throughout with a big move on the turn.

[Indian Charlie]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

The point of the comparison was that people expected Sidney's Candy to stalk and be effective, much like you're expecting Uncle Mo to be as many as 7-8 lengths out. What makes you think he'd be effective from back there? He'd be getting dirt for the first time, would run the risk of going very wide much of the way and would have to pass more than one horse for the first time.

Now I'm not saying Uncle Mo should be sent on a mission to get the lead, but to allow him to settle 10 back of a :46 half-mile would be foolish. The horse has proven capable (albeit last year) of going quickly early and having plenty left.

If I were hoping for an Uncle Mo win I'd be looking for a Big Brown or Barbaro type of trip, close throughout with a big move on the turn.

Fair enough points and questions. What makes me think he'll be effective is his style of running. He's relaxed, and he's shown he can go very slow in the early parts of a race, and close with a huge late kick. He's also shown he can be close up on a fast pace and still win easy. This to me indicates a versatility that is often lacked by horses with his brilliance.

I just don't see how being 10 off a 46 would do him any harm at all. Is there something you've seen in his races that would make you think that?

Me? I'd like to see him about 4-5 off, regardless, but my feeling is that they will try to keep him off the pace more if they go quickly, which is what seems likely.

Not too concerned about going wide, but the dirt in the face could be an issue. He's professional, which should help with that.