Funny Uncle comes out of strong race
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Funny Uncle was third last out behind a pair of colts who could run back in the Arkansas Derby. The strength of the company line points him out as a chief contender in Thursday’s seventh race at Oaklawn Park.
The entry-level allowance for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles drew nine horses, five of whom are eligible for the Triple Crown. The group includes Heroic Move, who is coming off an impressive debut win at Oaklawn, and Silver Heist, who owns the field’s best career Beyer Speed Figure, an 83.
Funny Uncle put up the field’s best last-race Beyer, an 81, for his effort in a Feb. 19 allowance that Two Eagles River won over Disarm. Funny Uncle rallied for third in the mile race that ended at the sixteenth pole, one race after winning his maiden on the front end Feb. 4 at Oaklawn.
“We learned a little something about him the other day,” said Tommy Vance, who trains Funny Uncle. “He broke his maiden head and head for the lead. The other day, when he ran in the allowance, he had an outside post, didn’t break real sharp, and came from last to run an impressive race coming off the pace.
“We learned he’s got something of a flexible running style. He’s kind of versatile.”
Funny Uncle has stepped up his game this meet. He’s put up ascending Beyers in each of his three starts, and has kept quality company. Last year, Funny Uncle’s best effort was a fourth-place finish from four starts at 2.
“He’s finally matured,” Vance said. “It just took a long time for him to mature. We gelded him back in the fall and it helped a lot. It changed his body style. He trimmed up.
“Mostly it’s mental. It just took him a long time to figure it out. He’s just a late bloomer.”
Jon Court is the regular rider of Funny Uncle, who has post 5. He will be aboard for Michael and Linda Mazoch.
Vance said Funny Uncle is scheduled to run in a restricted stakes at Sam Houston Race Park later this month. He is eligible for the new $100,000 Texas Thoroughbred Association Derby by virtue of being a graduate of the organization’s 2-year-olds in training sale in 2022. The mile and 70-yard race is part of the Texas Champions Day card on March 25.
Vance is the son of trainer David Vance and the brother of trainer Trisha Vance Duncan. All three Vances have won races this meet.
Heroic Move was favored in his debut last out at Oaklawn, delivering a half-length win over maiden special weight rivals at a mile Feb. 18. He overcame the 10 hole that afternoon. On Thursday, he will break from post 2.
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Florent Geroux has the mount for trainer Brad Cox. The rider and trainer teamed to win a pair of Sunday allowances at Oaklawn with notable 3-year-olds Corona Bolt and Punchbowl.
◗ Heart Rhythm cuts back to one turn for Thursday’s eighth race at Oaklawn, a conditioned allowance for 4-year-olds and up over six furlongs.
He is returning to the overnight ranks and adding blinkers. The last time he raced in an allowance with blinkers he won at Keeneland in October. The competitive field Thursday includes Payne and Kavod.
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