Uncle Mo Or The Factor - Which Horse Was More Impressive In His Racing Return?

By Author: Lee Lane-Edgar
Total Articles: 365
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The two year old champ Uncle Mo made his long awaited return to racing since he disappointed with a third place finish in the Wood Memorial last spring. He had suffered from a gastrointestinal illness during the Triple Crown series and his trainer Todd Pletcher felt that he was doing well enough to make his return in the premier sprint race for 3 year olds, the Grade 1 Foxwoods King’s Bishop at Saratoga.

Uncle Mo was sent off as the even money favorite as they left the starting gate. A heated battle between the speedy Flashpoint, Runflatout, and Poseidon’s Warrior ensued which quickly left Uncle Mo five lengths off the pace after the first quarter. He got a great stalking trip just to the outside of Dominus. As they moved into the far turn, the excitement began to build as Uncle Mo began to gain steady ground on the leaders, and by the 1/8 pole, he had struck the front and managed to pull away by two full lengths. Caleb’s Posse was rallying furiously down the center of the track and began inching up to the two year old champion. It was a close call, but Caleb’s Posse managed to run down Uncle Mo by a neck ...
... at the wire.

Despite the narrow loss, Uncle Mo did manage to score a 106 Beyer Speed Figure, the third highest speed figure for a three year old this year (albeit tied with four other horses who have earned a 106 as well). Hopefully we will see him stretch out against older horses in his next start.

Perhaps as impressive was another highly regarded three year old, The Factor who made a triumphant return to the races in the Grade 1, $250,000 Pat O'Brien Stakes at Del Mar on August 28. Smiling Tiger took the lead early with The Factor right on his heels down at the rail. Midway the backstretch, The Factor challenged Smiling Tiger and took a narrow lead. At the 3/16 pole, they were still head and head but then Smiling Tiger began to give way. The Factor pulled away to a two length lead and held off the oncoming Camp Victory and Crown of Thorns.

The Factor was assigned a 104 Beyer Speed Figure for his effort and so it looks like he is back as well. He received a lower speed figure than Uncle Mo, but on the other hand he beat older horses for the first time, something the two year old champ has yet to do. It really is a judgment call on who did better in their return, but it looks like both of them are back, which is good for racing. We need a few more superstars.

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