Uncle Mo's first winner returns in style

Outwork kicked off what would become a phenomenal freshman season for young sire Uncle Mo last April when he won his debut at Keeneland, becoming his sire’s first starter and first winner. The colt subsequently went to the sidelines for physical reasons but made a smashing return Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs, rolling by 4 1/4 lengths in an optional-claiming event for 3-year-olds and earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 77.

An early Triple Crown nominee, Outwork certainly is playing catch-up for owner and breeder Mike Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher, who also campaigned his sire.

Outwork is out of the Grade 1-placed Empire Maker mare Nonna Mia, the dam of two winners from as many starters. Nonna Mia is a half-sister to multiple Grade 2 winner Cairo Prince and Holdin Bullets, third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint.