Mo Town targets Nashua

ELMONT, N.Y. – Mo Town, a seven-length winner of a one-mile maiden race at Belmont last Saturday, will be pointed to the Grade 3, $200,000 Nashua Stakes on the Nov. 4 opening-day card at Aqueduct, trainer Tony Dutrow said Monday.

Mo Town, a son of Uncle Mo, was making the second start of his career last Saturday. He got a beautiful stalking trip under John Velazquez before taking over in upper stretch and drawing clear. He ran a mile in 1:37.26 and earned an 83 Beyer Speed Figure.

In his debut on Travers Day at Saratoga, Mo Town finished second to Reckling, beaten 1 1/4 lengths. Reckling is under consideration for the Grade 1 Champagne here on Oct. 8.

“He did everything the right way his first start,” Dutrow said of Mo Town. “I had nothing to be disappointed over. Training him towards his next race, he really went forward in the mornings, so we were happy to see him stretch out. Seemed like he loved the added distance. Knock on wood, he’s in great shape. We have to be very happy with that maiden breaker.”

Dutrow said that win or lose, the Nashua would be Mo Town’s last start of his 2-year-old season.

“I feel two turns are going to be right what the horse wants, but there’s time to do all that,” Dutrow said.