Mo diagnosis, Mo questions// Arkansas Derby and Blue Grass offer hope for many

Summary:

Headlines and stories based on the same press release issued by the connections of Uncle Mo highlight the different ways writers interpret or choose to spin vague facts.  The only thing we know for sure is that he has a GI tract infection and has resumed training.  The fallout ranged from some believing it was a minor blip on the radar to others claiming he is doubtful for the Kentucky Derby.  I am neither a veterinarian nor a trainer, so do not know the severity of a GI tract infection, the average recovery timeframe, or how much it would affect the performance of a horse.  No article from today has adequately described the condition or the performance of other horses that raced with the same infection.  However, let’s say that it does affect the overall performance. Then we would be led to believe Uncle Mo’s showing in the Wood Memorial was extremely impressive considering it was a close third in a Grade 1 race. Moreover, if he were to recover quickly, then he should be back to his dominating ways. The probability that a horse can overcome such an ailment in a short period of time and win the most trying contest in all of horse racing remains to be seen. Also worth noting, a rumor of an undisclosed injury and subsequent surgery just after the Breeders Cup in November seemed to boil over today as well.  All of this drama presents too many unknowns.

More news today on the upcoming major Kentucky Derby preps. The Arkansas Derby and Blue Grass Stakes offer last chances for promising unlucky colts and well known jockeys trying to secure Derby mounts// Plus handicapper picks and more…

Entries:

4/16 Arkansas Derby (G1)- Entries, pps, race video, handicapper picks here

4/16 Blue Grass Stakes (G1)- Entries, pps, race video, handicapper picks here

  

Articles:

·       Video: Arkansas Derby preview (Churchill Downs)

·       Pletcher duo slips into town unnoticed (Downey Profile)

·       Pletcher team hoping to right ship at Oaklawn (Bloodhorse)

·       The Factor likely to face more early pressure (DRF)

·       The Factor brings Bolton back to top of the game (DRF)

·       Video: Blue Grass Stakes preview (Churchill Downs)

·       Crimson China looks like a Derby horse, but he’ll have to win Blue Grass (Lexington Herald Leader)

·       Santiva fresh and ready (DRF)

·       Kenneally keeps it simple (Downey Profile)

·       Blue Grass Stakes: win or you’re out (Bloodhorse)

·       Uncle Mo has GI infection; still Derby bound (Bloodhorse)

·       Talking Mo-mania on the Derby trail [Graham Motion] (Stride Live Blog)

·       Unlce Mo’s loss leaves a favorite uncertain for Derby prep races (USA Today)

·       Early demands can take a toll (Houston Chronicle Houston)

·       Last call for Derby hopefuls (UPI)

·       Kentucky Derby report 4/14 (Brisnet)

·       Calvin Borel: the face of horse racing (DRF)

·       Who’s hot, who’s not (DRF)

Handicapper Picks

·       That Handicapping Show: Arkansas Derby (Bloodhorse)

·       Arkansas Derby: Commish Picks  (Downey Profile)

·       Blue Grass Stakes: Dick’s Picks (Downey Profile)

·       Triple Crown Insider: Final major preps (Bloodhorse)

·       Weekend Warrior [with video] (DRF)