Leading Kentucky Derby candidate Uncle Mo has been scratched from the Kentucky Derby. The 2010 Champion 2YO had been in doubt due to an intestinal tract infection.
Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie) was an unbeaten winner of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last year. He spelled as the winter favourite for the Derby but has been less than impressive this term.
Trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Mike Repole made the decision shortly after the colt galloped at Churchill Downs. “The vets went over him and advised us not to run,” Repole said. “When I saw him this morning, he moved like the best athlete on the track. But it’s an internal thing and they’re much harder to tell.
“We weren’t prepared to wait until Saturday to make a decision. Uncle Mo will tell us where to next.”
Pletcher and Repole still have 20-1 chance Stay Thirsty (Bernardini) engaged in the Run for the Roses.