HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Uncle Mo took his first major step on the road to his 3-year-old debut when working a half-mile in 49.60 seconds at Palm Meadows on Sunday. The work was Uncle Mo’s second since arriving in south Florida earlier this winter.
“I thought the work was excellent, it was textbook,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “He went out in 25, came home in 24 and 2, and galloped out well. I’m amazed at his fitness level off just one three-eighths breeze. Before this work, I might have felt like I was on a tight schedule. Now, I feel like we’re ahead of schedule.”
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Pletcher, who said he’ll likely bring Uncle Mo back for another half-mile work next Sunday, is targeting early March for his Eclipse Award winner’s 2011 bow.
Other Pletcher 3-year-old workers of note on Sunday at Palm Meadows included the undefeated Brethren (five furlongs in 1:01) and the impressive maiden winner Travelin Man (four furlongs in 49 seconds).