Harness: Time to start taking notice of Ohio-bred Action Uncle

Answer this one simple question: Have you heard of Action Uncle?

If the answer is no than you probably don't pay any attention to the Ohio Sire Stakes. There was a time when that series was an afterthought on the national scene, just as Indiana was a decade ago, before the likes of horses like Hannelore Hanover and Freaky Feet Pete. Let me clue you in, the quality of Ohio horses is getting better - FAST!

Action Uncle is an unbeaten-in-2020 3-year-old trotting colt who also was the Ohio champion as a 2-year-old. The Virgil Morgan trainee has raced three times in Ohio Sire Stakes this year and won by an average of over three lengths. His other win came by just a nose in his 2020 debut, but that was against older company.

"He's met expectations and more. He's come back really good," said Morgan. "He's raced four times this year and won all four with Brett (Miller) never pulling the earplugs. He has a world record as a 2-year-old and a 3-year-old."

If Action Uncle was eligible to the Stanley Dancer on July 18 at The Meadowlands or the Hambletonian, we'd be talking about him right now as one of the many contenders in a field still lacking a clear standout. Instead he is going under the radar and likely could continue outside the spotlight for some time.

"We staked him to everything in Ohio. The Ohio Sire Stakes is really good now. It goes for $300,000. We also put him in some stuff later, like the Erskine (Hoosier) and Matron (Dover). Obviously we have some regrets," said Morgan about the fact that the Uncle Peter-sired colt doesn't have the Hambletonian on his schedule. "The Yonkers Trot would’ve been the perfect race to supplement to but unfortunately it is the same night (Sept. 5) as the Sire Stakes finals at Scioto."

Next up for Action Uncle is the Ohio State Fair at Scioto Downs on August 1, followed by the fourth leg of the Sire Stakes at Northfield on August 15 and the $300,000 Championship back at Scioto on the first Saturday in September. After that, the next steps are up in the air. Could we see owners Carl Howard, Joyce McCelland and Larry Wills pony up the $62,500 necessary to supplement to the Breeders Crown on October 30 at Hoosier Park?

"All three of them are knowledgeable owners who are not afraid to gamble," said Morgan about the chances. "If he continues to progress and go the way we want, it would be a consideration.

"It's Academic, the Ohio-bred of (Ron) Burke's just won the Grand Circuit Currier & Ives stake handily at The Meadows in 1:53 4/5. Action Uncle has already beaten him in the Sire Stakes here. So when you look at that, it makes you think he would be competitive."

Action Uncle is the real deal and perhaps a horse to watch in the Grand Circuit races later this year.