Saying “Uncle!” used to mean you had given up in a contest.
Remember that one? “Uncle!” is a word that has resolved countless childhood conflicts throughout the ages.
Once you recognized your opponent had you licked at arm wrestling or a thumb war, “Uncle!” was the magic word that conceded the match. And, upon uttering the word, it was time to walk away in humiliation and heal your wounded ego in private.
That used to be what saying “Uncle!” meant between two-year-olds in contests.
And then, Uncle Mo showed up and changed the game for two-year-old racehorses.
Say “Uncle!” if you’re winning well beyond daylight.
Say “Uncle!” if you’re breaking your maiden by 14 ½ lengths in your first lifetime start.
Say “Uncle!” if you just won a Grade I race on your second outing at a track.
In his two career starts, Uncle Mo has proven that screaming “Uncle!” isn’t what it used to be back in the day.
It’s all about winning now.
Uncle Mo, owned by Mike Repole, may be the best two-year-old pointing toward the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile on November 6, 2010. In six years of owning horses, Repole was 0-26 in graded outings. And then, Uncle Mo showed up.
On August 28, 2010, Uncle Mo delivered a stunning 14 ½ length maiden victory at Saratoga in his first lifetime start. It wasn’t your ordinary maiden. Uncle Mo led the field through the entire race and earned a 102 Beyer figure in that outing. He is currently tied with Boys at Toscanova for the best figure of the year by a juvenile from his maiden start. (Click photo to see video footage of the race)
After his maiden victory, Uncle Mo jumped directly into Grade I territory. He entered the Champagne Stakes as his second career start and delivered an authoritative 4 ¾ victory. In that race, Uncle Mo also gave Repole his first Grade I win as an owner.
And, Uncle Mo won the Champagne Stakes with pure style. His finishing time was 1:36.51 in the Champagne – only a fifth of a second away from the stakes record set by Devil’s Bag in 1983. Uncle Mo beat Secretariat and matched Seattle Slew in his finishing time at the outing. (Click photo to see video footage of Champagne Stakes)
So now, Uncle Mo heads to the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile to attempt a three-peat of victories.
I’m screaming “Uncle!”
And, I’m marveling at Uncle Mo.
It’s all about winning now.
Well said Jennifer, I’ll be screaming “Uncle” for all I’m worth on Breeders’ Cup day right alongside the rest.
This colt is exciting beyond words and his potential seems limitless. I love that he is able to carry his speed and then accelerate to draw away in the stretch, hopefully that’s a sign he isn’t just a sprinter.
The anticipated showdown with Boys At Tosconova in the Juvenile is going to be incredible!
Great post as always!
Thanks, Brian! I was stunned when I watched the video footage of his first two races in his career. He’s such an amazing horse. I can’t wait for the Breeder’s Cup! (And, as always, I’m looking forward to your next article. You have such a wonderful site!)