The Day the Champagne Flowed for Mike and Mo
“Uncle Mo was so much more to me than a champion and iconic stallion—he was and always will be a part of my family. Uncle Mo is the patriarch of Repole Stable. There will never be another horse that makes me feel or will impact my life the way that Uncle Mo has.” – Mike Repole on the premature death at age 16 of one of the sport’s most brilliant 2-year-olds and influential stallions. This is their story. ~ Steve Haskin
The Day the Champagne Flowed for Mike and Mo
By Steve Haskin
It was October 3, 2010, the day of the Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park. For Mike Repole it was the biggest race of his life. Growing up in Middle Village, Queens in New York City, the son of Italian immigrants was the first in his family to attend college and in 2007 at the age of 38 sold his company, Glaceau, to Coca-Cola fo $4.1 billion. Two years later he joined another company, which would show a 300% growth in the next five years
It is safe to call Repole’s rise up the corporate ladder meteoric. He was strong-willed and driven to succeed, said what was on his mind, rough edges and all, and used his street smarts to make outrageous amounts of money in everything he touched…except owning Thoroughbreds.
Repole loved the action of the racetrack since he was 13 and began buying horses while working at Glaceau. But up until the day of the Champagne his horses paid no attention to their owner’s business success and insisted on going though life moving at a much slower pace. Repole’s dream was to gather with his family and close friends in the winner’s circle and share in the joy of winning a big race. Unfortunately he couldn’t find a horse to take him there.
In six years as a horse owner, he had little to show for it, and was always reminding everyone of his shabby 0-for-26 record in graded stakes and 0-for-36 goose egg at Saratoga in 2009. Then he hooked up with megatrainer Todd Pletcher, and before he knew it he was the leading owner at Saratoga in 2010, with a second-place finish in the Hopeful Stakes with Stay Thirsty and an otherworldly 14 1/4-length maiden victory by Uncle Mo the highlights of the meet. So impressive was Uncle Mo that Pletcher moved him right into Grade 1 company in the prestigious one-mile Champagne Stakes.
It was no wonder that Repole was a wreck in the weeks prior to the Champagne, which caused him many a sleepless night. That first graded stakes victory was, as Jerry Seinfeld would say, a pretty big matzo ball hanging out there.
But the Champagne would forever change Repole’s life, and Thoroughbred racing would never be the same. It was as if the sport had been injected with a massive of dose of Vitaminwater, the Glaceau product that launched Repole’s career into orbit.
Uncle Mo opened at 1-9 and would go off at 1-5 in the six-horse field, but that only made Repole more of a wreck, having to deal with the pressure of owning such an overwhelming favorite and racing’s next potential freak.
But all the worrying and sleepless nights were for nothing, as Uncle Mo set a hot pace of :22 2/5, :45 4/5, and 1:10 2/5, turned back the challenges of I’m Steppin’ It Up and then Mountain Town, and drew off with an impressive :24 flat final quarter to win by 4 ¾ lengths under a hand ride. What front-running 2-year-old sets those kinds of fractions going a mile and comes home his last quarter in :24? It looked as if racing had its next superstar.
Uncle Mo not only won the Champagne, he came close to one record and “broke” another. The colt’s time of 1:34 2/5 was only a fifth of a second off the stakes record set by Devil’s Bag in 1983. However, the scene in the box seat section after the race shattered the record for the most raucous celebration, previously set 21 years earlier by a shirtless and muscle-flexing M.C. Hammer and his entourage following Lite Light’s 10-length romp in the 1991 Coaching Club American Oaks.
Somewhere in the sea of waving arms and high fives was Repole, who was overcome with emotion as he bent down to hug and kiss his 84-year-old grandmother, affectionately known as Nonna. Uncle Mo was already back and being circled by jockey John Velazquez, but precious family moments such as this take precedence over everything and everyone else, including the handsome bay colt patiently waiting to head into the winner’s circle. But Velazquez like everyone else had to wait until Repole could separate himself from his Nonna. He had waited too long for this moment and was going to savor it.
Repole was thrilled to learn that Uncle Mo had just run as fast as Seattle Slew in the Champagne, and faster than Secretariat and Spectacular Bid.
“He’s such a talented horse, he’s able to do things other horses can’t do,” Pletcher said after the race. “The sky’s the limit. I don’t see how a horse could start his career more impressively than he has. His maiden win was as good as I’ve seen, and then to come back and run 1:34 2/5 in the Champagne is unbelievable. Sometimes you see a horse go fast early and then they coast home. He gets stronger as he goes along. That’s what’s so impressive about him.”
After the winner’s circle presentation, Repole, still emotionally charged, was led to the Trustees Room for the traditional Grade I celebratory glass of champagne.
“What is this room?” he asked, as if a lifelong coach passenger entering the first-class lounge for the first time. “I’ve never seen this room before.”
Repole looked back at what was an unforgettable day. “I won the first race today with Run to Grand Ave. (trained by Bruce Levine), who is named after the OTB (Off Track Betting) on Grand Avenue that I used to run to as a kid. Then, Gerard Loves Beer — named after my brother; you can imagine what he loves — wins a $20,000 maiden claimer (for trainer Bruce Brown). And then I win a Grade 1, having 40 friends and family here. It’s just amazing, and so surreal to have my grandmother, my wife, and my parents here. It’s what horse racing is all about.
“I also won a $20,000 claiming race at Delaware Park today. I was telling everyone if I go three for four I’m going to throw up. Who wins three races in one day and then wins a Grade I?”
So, here was Repole, having just witnessed another spectacular performance from Uncle Mo, toasting the victory in the Trustees Room in front of his family and close friends, all 40 of them, including his wife Maria. None of them, by the way, was the real Uncle Mo, who is not a person, but a sports term for “momentum.” And boy was he aptly named.
The gregarious and quick-witted Repole, whose passion for the sport has always been infectious, had been waiting a long time to make this toast, and he was not about to tolerate anything that would delay it.
First, he had to get the attention of his mother, who was chatting nearby. “Mom, Edith Bunker, stifle it, I’m making a toast,” he said to her… Laughter.
Then, just as he got everyone’s attention, a voice was heard: “Wait Mike, they’re showing the head-on.”
“We don’t care about the head-on,” he said. “Let Todd worry about that.” More laughter.
Finally, he began his toast, but was distracted by one of the uniformed waiters directly in front of him filling people’s glasses with champagne.
“Can you stop pouring; I’m making a toast,” Repole said. “When I’m speaking, you don’t pour,” Even louder laughter.
This is Mile Repole, a shoot-from-the-hip New Yawker, who has been the perfect foil for the publicly stoic Pletcher. Together, they have formed the greatest comedian-straight man team since Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner.
As Repole said of Pletcher, “Todd is the best in the business; there’s nobody better than him. And he’s getting better with me an owner. He was a good trainer before me and he’s only going to get better as I partner up with him.” That brazen comment would prove prophetic with Repole and Pletcher teaming up over the years with victories in the Belmont Stakes, Travers Stakes twice, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile three times, Breeders’ Cup Classic, Florida Derby twice. Breeders’ Cup Distaff, Alabama twice, and Coaching Club American Oaks twice, just to name a few.
Most of Repole’s quips are for effect, and he’s darn good at it. The audience loves him. And no one can tell a story like Repole. He proved that by beginning his post-Champagne toast with his purchase of Uncle Mo.
“I want to thank (bloodstock agent) Jim Crupi and (racing manager) Jimmy Martin. Last year, they bought me an Indian Charlie at the sale who cost me $200,000 and is now in a retirement home. So, when they called me on this Indian Charlie colt last September I wasn’t interested at all. And then, thank God, Jimmy grabbed the phone from Jim and said, ‘Mike, you have to have this horse.’
“I said, ‘Put Jim back on the phone.’ I told him, ‘Go up to $200,000.’ Jim knows specifically, if he gets me on the phone while a horse is in the ring he goes to $200,000 and not a penny more. So, then Jim calls me again from the sale and says the horse is in the ring at $200,000 and it looks like we’re gonna get him. I’m going, ‘Please, somebody bid more.’ Then someone bids $210,000. I’m about to say, ‘That’s it, I’m out of it,’ when Jim says, ‘Let’s hit him one more time.’ To be honest with you, I thought he meant Crupi. I said, ‘Go ahead and hit him, because he cost me $200,000 last year. At the end of the day we went to $220,000 and got him, and I swear to God on my life, if the horse had gone up to $220,000 and 10 cents, somebody else would have him. So I want to thank those two guys.
“I just want to say that success is always best when shared, and if I was here with two or three people this day wouldn’t be the same. But being here with everybody just makes it so much more special.”
Uncle Mo, of course, would go on to romp in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile to nail down the 2-year-old championship and become the clear-cut favorite for the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Before his scheduled debut in the listed Timely Writer Stakes at a mile at Gulfstream on March 12, Repole was beaming with excitement and anticipation as the guest list for the Kentucky Derby already was starting to build.
He still found it hard to believe the position he was in after dreaming of this moment for so many years.
“It’s 10 times more exciting than I ever could have imagined,” he said at the time. “And believe me, I imagined it to be real exciting. I just didn’t know that it came with 20 times the anxiety. I’m so fortunate and blessed. To own a horse like this is amazing, and to own him and Stay Thirsty, these are two once-in-a-lifetime horses. A year and a half ago we were talking about me having two horses in a $20,000 claiming race, not two horses in the Derby. I can’t even explain having two horses like this in the same year. It’s unimaginable.”
Repole was excited not only for himself, but for the sport. “We’ve had Zenyatta, we’ve had Rachel Alexandra,” he said. “It’s been a while since we had a colt people were really really excited about. Uncle Mo, win, lose, or draw, probably isn’t going to change my life financially, but I think he has an opportunity to do something really special for racing that we haven’t seen in a long, long time. And just as a racing fan, and just for the sport, I really hope he does. And if not Uncle Mo, I hope it’s somebody else; and if not this year, then next year.”
Uncle Mo easily won the Timely Writer Stakes by 3 3/4 lengths. But that was followed by a shocking third-place finish in the Wood Memorial as the 1-10 favorite.
After the race he was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal infection, but still was shipped to Churchill Downs to point for the Derby. But when he came off his antibiotics he immediately began to regress, losing some weight and backing off his feed a bit. The veterinarians treating him were still trying to diagnose his problem, knowing only that one of his enzymes were elevated in his blood work. But as the Derby grew near, Pletcher was not happy with the colt’s coat, and on the Thursday before the race he and Repole conferred and agreed it was not worth the risk. Also, they still had Stay Thirsty in the Derby. At 9 a.m. on Friday a press conference was held and it was announced Uncle Mo would be scratched.
“Does it hurt that he’s not here?” Repole said. “Yes, because Uncle Mo, in my opinion is five to seven lengths better than any horse in this race. As badly as I want to win, I’m 42 and the bottom line is that I’m going to be around a while.”
Uncle Mo was sent to Winstar Farm for more extensive tests and was diagnosed with cholangiohepatitis, a rare liver disease. He began treatment and gained 110 pounds in two months before returning to Todd Pletcher’s barn at Saratoga on July 11, 2011. He resumed training and finished second by a nose to Caleb’s Posse in the seven-furlong King’s Bishop Stakes in a blazing 1:21 2/5 on August 1. That set him up for the Grade 2 Kelso Handicap at a mile and we saw the old Uncle Mo, who skipped through the mud to win by three lengths in 1:33 4/5.
It was an ambitious move, but the decision was made to run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic instead of the Dirt Mile. Sent off at 5-1, he tired badly and faded to 10th. It was discovered his liver enzymes again were elevated and he was retired to Ashford Stud in Kentucky.
“It’s a sad decision, but an easy decision,” Repole said. “You can’t keep racing them and then resting them, it’s not the right thing to do. I wouldn’t do that to any of my horses. We have no regrets. He gave me and my family so many good memories.”
As it turned out he gave Repole a lot more than good memories. He gave him a legacy and a foundation on which he would build a dynasty. He also gave him his first and only classic winner when Repole in 2022 bought part interest in his son Mo Donegal from owner Donegal Racing. Two races later he celebrated the colt’s victory in the Belmont Stakes 12 years after Uncle Mo’s breakout performance in the Champagne over the same track.
Uncle Mo as a stallion at Coolmore Stud in Lexington, Kentucky.
There is no denying that Repole is a polarizing figure. But looking back on that day in October, 2010 when he finally found his way to the winner’s circle and Trustees Room for the first time, it was no surprise he would become arguably the sport’s loudest and most passionate voice, while spreading his wealth from the sales ring to the aftercare of the horses following their retirement.
Repole’s Nonna is gone and now so is the horse who first showed her grandson the way to that elusive winner’s circle and enabled him to share that first champagne toast with friends and family. Those winner’s circle visits and post-race celebrations have been common occurrences as the Repole empire has grown .
He now takes pride in sharing his special moments with his 8-year-old daughter Giola. Stars like Fierceness, Forte, Vino Rosso, and Mo Donegal are like good friends to her, but you can bet Repole has sat with her on more than one occasion and told her of that one special horse who started it all.
Photos courtesy of Adam Coglianese/New York Racing Association and Coolmore Stud
Racing historian, author, and award-winning retired journalist for the Daily Racing Form and The Blood-Horse, Steve Haskin was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame’s Media Roll of Honor in 2016. Known for his racing knowledge and insightful prose, he has been an exclusive contributor to Secretariat.com since 2020.
This morning, the 2025 Derby Futures odds were posted at Caesars Sportsbook, four of which look very enticing, IMO.
Built, 40-1, looked very impressive in the Gun Runner. The Lecomte is possible next.
Disco Time, 66-1, a Juddmonte homebred, is undefeated in two career starts. He has displayed the ability to carry his very impressive speed over a distance of ground.
Cornucopian, 75-1, has yet to race, but judging by his latest work at Los Alamitos, going 4 furlongs in 46.60 he’s probably close for his debut race, at Santa Anita. By hot sire Into Mischief, out of a Distorted Humor mare, his tail-female side is inundated with class and stamina. This colt sold for $1.0 million at auction, so there’s been high expectations from the get-go.
Burning Glory, 100-1, by Into Mischief, out of a Tapit mare, looked very impressive breaking his maiden, at Churchill, going a mile in 1:35.40. He’s another Juddmonte homebred colt in the capable hands of William Mott. It will be interesting to see where Mott will point Burning Glory for his next outing.
Betting a saw buck, on each of those four colts might be with the investment.
Nearly sixty years ago—John Longden…at the time the winningest rider ever—made his final ride, in the 1965 San Juan Capistrano, at 14 furlongs….in a full field Longden rode George Royal, 20-1 morning line—they bet him down to 5-1, and Joe Hernandez’s race call was epic—George Royal kept closing, he was 5th…he was 4th….he was 3rd….at the top of the stretch Hernandez says “It’s George Royal”—and the huge crowd gasped, turning onyo a crescendo of cherry, as Longden and Bobby Ussery battled, George Royal and the big grey Plaque…..Longden went out a winner, in one of the greatest moments in Santa Anita history….
Pardon the spelling errors, you cannot proofread on this site, unable to scroll thru the post….
Great memory, Matthew. Did you see it, either on TV or in person? I just read about it in Sports Illustrated, and I remember thinking how old and wrinkled Longden looked. How could he be a jockey at his age? Laughable now that I’m at least 10 years older than he was then. I’m still working, but not on horseback.
I heard the race call on a record! Santa Anita gave away a record on opening Day around 1974, narrated by Gil Stratton about Joe Hernandez’s greatest race calls.. I wish I still had it…the call of the 1965 San Juan sent chills, of excitement!
I saw John Longden in person many times, as a kid, he was always impeccably dressed, I never conversed with him but I was around when he was conversing with others, he had a noble, high-pitched voice, I was right there when Bill Shoemaker said “Hi John”, and Longden said “Hi Shoe”….
Cool!
59 years old with a pinched nerve, in his neck….14-horse field…..
Here’s a trivia note about John Longden–he and his mother were scheduled to be passengers on the Titanic, but fortunately for them, the train that took them to the port was late!
WOW
My father always remembered Johnny Longden on Count Fleet, but I’l always reminisce Longden as the trainer of Majestic Prince and his fight with the owners of “The Prince”
and not fit to run in the Belmont Stakes, for which Longden was right.
The entrant I played in the 1st at S A Park on Saturday was Power Play a colt by Authentic. He exhibited mulish behavior in the late stage of the race as he did on debut.
The fact that he finished 6th beaten by 6 3/4L reflect he has well above average ability. He just needs to things out.
Despite not possessing a turf pedigree. Trainer Mandella has persisted with him of turf. I am not prepared to question the decision of a trainer of Mandella’s caliber. But it would be nice to see how he performs in a dirt race. Irrespective, if he continues to leave the gates at long odds. I am positive I will reap a big reward.
In a previous post I specified that given San Saba perigee, he is more likely to excel on turf. If my theory as correct, I expected him to tire badly after either 4 or 5 furlongs. Well, he weakens in the stretch a performance more in line with my thinking.
I could still be wrong, but the colt didn’t run to its works. His next start should reveal more.
It appears East Avenue entered the BCJ with an issue and his stumble at the start and poor performance thereafter was directly associated with same.
The colt has no recorded work since the BCJ. I hope all is well and another Maxfield type scenario isn’t unfolding.
East Avenue’s connections have targeted the Feb 15 RisenStar. He should be showing works soon if he is ok.
Forever Young wins the Tokyo Daishoten the stalking the speedy Crown Pride and driving to an easy win in the homestretch fending off the rally of Wilson Tesoro and Ramjet with authority. Ushba Tesoro finished 4th in his farewell and the mare Grand Bridge in 5th. Ushba Tesoro was the two-time champion of this top and the torch as the best dirt horse in Japan is the hooves of Forever Young
Forever Young logged 2:04.9/10 for the 2000 meters … a formidable time for the super heavy track of Oi.
It would be nice to see Forever Young coming back to America next year…
Yes Nelson, Forever Young has had an incredible year. I was hoping that Ramjet might repeat his performance of the Tokyo Derby but to no avail.
I think the connections of Forever Young will attempt the Breeders’ Cup Classic for 2025 with the Dubai World Cup and Saudi Cup obvious targets as well.
Forever Young must have an amazing constitution with all that travel. An international star, hats off to him.
Davids, FY’s connections have confirmed that both the Saudi and Dubai Cups are the schedule for 2025.
Lynda, if anything, Forever Young looked the best he has this year in the Tokyo Daishōten and, arguably, ran his best race. Forever Young is obviously improving in every race which is not what his competition would have liked to have seen.
Davids, I agree.
He was training lights out!
I am now following several people on X that post almost daily on racing in Japan.
One more Grade One win and he will be honored with a plushie!
Saw photo of fans who had spent the night before waiting to be first in line to enter the gate. Just have to admire them for their love and devotion to the horses and the sport.
I love it that people would camp out overnight to get into a racetrack! It reminds me of years ago when folks would do that for big movie openings and the like.
I recall standing in line for what seemed like forever to watch the original Star Wars trilogy movies.
Thank you for sharing. Tried to stay up to get results but just could not stay awake.
Thrilled to say the least. He has been impressive in his works.
Happy retirement to Ushba.
Like your description ” the hooves of Forever Young.
Thanks for the recap, Nelson. I’m glad Forever Young did well and, like you, would love to see him race in the US again next year.
So glad to hear of Forever Young’s continued success, Nelson. If he’s able to repeat this year’s itinerary with the same on-track consistency, then Forever Young will prove beyond a doubt that he is a true iron horse. A beloved horse with a special place in our hearts. It’s so gratifying to have a horse like Forever Young to cheer for.
Happy New Year to Steve and all his groupies! Y’all are the best.
Could this be the year a gelding wins the Derby?
Your post looks like a trivia about how many geldings are in our lists of Derby prospects… Lol. Which gelding did you have in mind?
The only gelding I could find among the 100 fastest 2-year-olds of 2024 is the New York bred Bold Fortune … with that I would say that for numerical and qualitative reasons there won’t be any gelding winning the Derby in 2025. So, no Funny Cide this time…
Hi Nelson
A 2 year old gelding named Burnham Square (Liam’s Map out of Linda) caught my eye yesterday at Gulfstream. Won impressively and his dam is Linda (different spelling than mine).
Not sure he is on Derby trail but am curious if he can advance.
I see your point now Lynda…it seems you are learning the art of writing catching titles (queries) from Steve…LOL…
Burnham Square was really impressive yesterday winning by 9 lenghts in 1:44.30 fro 1 1/16 mile at Gulfstream. If the son of Liam’s Map is not nominated they should do so.
You may remember His trainer Ian Wilkes took McCraken (also owned by the Whitham family) to the Derby and was the trainer of Fort Larned.
He also trained Linda (Grade 2 winner and $407 in earnings) who comes from the female family started by Janis Whitham.
With two Derby winners (Sunny’s Halo and Secretariat) in his female family Burham Square may have what it takes to move upward in the Stakes echelon… we shall see.
LOL, you caught me!
Yes, I remember McCracken.
The gelding certainly has the pedigree as you mentioned to be Derby potential.
I do need to look up Janis Whitman.
Thank you!
Lynda and Nelson: Burnham Square is certainly on the right path. Don’t know what his Equibase figures are, but his Beyers have progressed upwards over his last three races (52, 83, 85). Yet another one to watch as the Derby trail comes to a simmer.
Ms B, I think he is headed in the right direction.
Each year I enjoy trying to find little gems to cheer for, especially the homebreds.
Your questing infers that a gelding is yet to win the KD. Instead of a gelding should have been another gelding.
If I had a good Gelding I’d skip The Derby! The Kentucky Derby is a race that has extra breeding value—I understood why they ran Best Pal in The Derby—Golden Eagle bred him…so there was extra value there….The Derby is a grueling race….
For those interested in Japanese racing this Sunday the Tokyo Daishōten G1 will be run at the Ōi racecourse on dirt, 2,000 meters(10furlongs).
Ramjet, Forever Young, Derma Sotogake, Crown Pride, Ushba Tesoro, Grand Bridge are among the more favored runners and somewhat familiar to US racing fans.
Looks like a fabulous race.
Thanks Davids for the reminder. Sometimes with the time difference it is hard to precisely catch the race … I will watch the superb 1 1/4-mile at 11:40 pm (MDT) (my time zone).
Forever Young is the most accomplished in the field however the odds-maker assigned 2 to 1 ML to 5-year-old Wilson Tesoro (Kitasan Black-Chesutoke Rose by UNCLE MO … no less) who lost (for the second time) the Champion Cup by a nose to champion Lemon Pop on December 1. Perhaps the oddsmaker is beting on Wilson Tesoro improving in form because he was defeated two times by Ushba Tesoro and
Crown Pride beat him by 5 lengths in the Korean Cup… Anyway, I can not say he is a vulnerable 2-1 ML but the International runners look primed to fill the board… with Derma Sotogake and Crown Pride feeding enough tempo for Forever Young and Ushba Tesoro closing kicks…
Ramjet should improve off his 4th behind Forever Young in his BCC prep (Japan Dirt Classic) on October 2 … Ramjet saw his 4-win streak halted by this lackluster performance…
The mare Grand Bridge adds intrigue to the $1.13-Million race… Hihgly anticipated faboulous race indeed Davids…
This year’s crop of 2yr. old colts sired by Into Mischief continue to shine.
Tappan Street, by Into Mischief, out of Virginia Key, by Distorted Humor, rated of a fast pace, to win going away in his debut race, at GP, going 7 furlongs in 1:23.46. There are more Into Mischief colts on the 2025 Derby trail than you can shake a stick at.
Listed in preferential order, the following Into Mischief colts is listed in preferential order.
Patch Adams
Citizen Bull
Sovereignty
Barnes
Donut God
Prator
Burning Glory
Tappan Street
Bill, that’s a pretty good start on a top 12 or 15 Derby list. I’ve been compiling a list of horses I think Steve might include in his first list. So far, I have the following in no particular order:
Built
Eastern Avenue
Journalism
Patch Adams
Chancer McPatrick
First Resort
Sovereignty
Madeket Road
Bullard
You will notice I did not include the Breeders’ Juvenile winner. Not sure what I think of him as a Derby prospect, even if he is a two-time Grade 1 winner.
Thanks for the reply Ms Blacktype.
Just to be clear, I have a different top Derby prospects list than the one I posted on the Into Mischief colts.
Listed below in no particular order are my top ten Derby prospecrs.
Patch Adams
Bullard
Citizen Bull
Sovereignty
Rated by Merit
Journalism
Praetor
Barnes
Donut God
Built
Me too — but it’s pretty amazing so many of the Into Mischiefs are on both of my lists, and looks like yours as well.
Hi Bill,
In 2021 Into Mischief bred 216 with a resulting 172live foals. Given the sire excellence and his annual big books of mares, it isn’t surprising he has so many KD prospects.
Too many cocks spoil the broth
There is strength in numbers
The KD recognizes no advantage in any category
In 2021 Uncle Mo bred 197 mares, 19 less than Into Mischief with a resulting 142 live foals. First Resort the Kentucky jockey Club G2 winer First Resort appears to be the best from his 2022 crop.
His progeny appears to be under performing given how he is being hailed as great stallion.
EDIT
In 2021 into Mischief bred 216 mares with a reported 172 live foals. Given the sire’s excellence and his big 2021 book of mares, it isn’t surprising he has so many KD prospects.
Exactly, that’s why Into Mischief commands a stud fee of $250,000.00 fee.
BTW, I posted a comment on four colts that look enticing, relative to their current odds, at Caesars Sportsbook.
Built, 40-1 (1st in the Gun Runner)
Disco Time, 66-1 (1st in AOC, going a mile in 1:34.98)
Cornucopian, 75-1 (unraced) but working well at LA (4F, 46.60, 1/8) on 12-20.
Burning Glory, 100-1 (by Into Mischief), a Juddmonte homebred, closed impressively to win a $120K MSW, at Churchill, going a mile in 1:35.40.
I’d be interested to read your thoughts on those four colts, moving forward.
Tappan Street was hard ridden for about 4 of the 7F, albeit the fractions were strong. I prefer to see more cruising speed which allows for a timelier demand on energy resources.
The Uncle colt that was on the lead was beaten by a combined 87 3/4L in its previous 3 career starts. He was even assigned an Equibase Figures of 2 & 26. His performance represented a dramatic reversal of form. That can happen with young horses.
If he was Tappan Street’s best opponent, which required extensive urging to get by. It suggests, the million-dollar colt is a router that is likely to require a strong pace up front to be seen at his best.
It was his first start and so much can change going forwards.
NB: just providing my opinion with absolutely no ill-will.
Very surprised the San Vicente has no Derby points! You would think any race with BB entrants would have Derby points—plenty of good horses have run in it….
He’s not the only ride in park, Matthew.
Why should points for the KD which is routing race be made available for a sprint race.
The Hutchinson doesn’t have KD points.
Well because it’s a Derby prep race….
Derby preps have points attached.
Is the San Vicente listed amongst the KD Preps on CD’s web site?
That….is my point, it should be!
A stakes race on dirt for three year olds at a major track–that is a Derby prep!
Agreed!
Tappan Street….big bay with black legs (my favorite) came away from them late—I was impressed! Keep an eye on this one..
Hey Matthew W
Tappan Street sold for a cool million at auction, so there were high expectations from the get-go.
Yeah, Matthew, I thought he was folding on the turn into the stretch, and then he just blasted past the leader. Nice horse for $1M!
Dettori, unraced two year old colt ($525K/Munnings-Hit It Rich) is schedule to run tomorrow (Sat) in the first race at SA. Trained by Baffert and will be ridden by Dettori and from what I gather has been working ‘well with Madaket Road. I can’t remember the last time Baffert started a unraced two year old on the turf let alone the last time Dettori rode a Baffert horse.
Interesting….to say the least.
Thanks John. Hope he wins, very cool, Frankie wins on Detorri.
Miramahdi said “Frankie on Dettori”……during the race…..He’s my favorite caller—hi did make a huge error, calling Stronghold as the new leader, at the top of the Malibu stretch—it was Raging Torrent…..I was hoping they would point toward The Met Mile—I heard it’s Dubai….
Yes Matthew, Frank Mirahmadi and Robert Geller are my preferred callers in North America they add drama to horse racing.
John,
Dettori isn’t unraced. He made his debut on turf over 5F on 11/17/2024. He finished 3rd by 3L as the $1.90 favorite.
Bingo!
Correct about Dettori.
There are a couple of other highly regarded entrants in the 1st race at SA today. Scipio and War to Remember.
As for namesakes, Mirahmadi was highly regarded from the same barn. The connections paid over $1 million at auction. It took that horse 9 tries to break his maiden. Good luck to all the runners today!
I like Power Play for the unimportant reason of him being a February foal. In all seriousness, he was very rank in his last and might have learnt from that effort.
It appears a number of Tood Pletcher’s owners are retaining the services of other trainers.
Wha took them so long.
I stand corrected Counter Point. The site I visited didn’t show that info.
I’m giving the lone filly a shot, in there . .Paarl….she had no chance in her debut, vs fillies—walked our of there but steadily gained, had nowhere to run in the stretch—
Lol
Right around the corner, coming up Jan. 4 at Santa Anita, the San Vincente G2-7fur. sprint.
Nominations include the following:
Barnes
Bullard
Dr. Ruben M
Gaming
McKenzie Street
Romanesque
Smooth Cruisein
Hey kmi
Yes indeed, things are starting to get interesting as we make our way down the Derby trail. If Bullard can replicate his performance in the G3 Bob Hope Stakes, he’ll be tough to beat. In addition to the San Vincente, the Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park (10 Derby points) and the Jerome at Aqueduct (10 Derby points) are scheduled for Jan. 4th as well. I’m sure you’re aware that the San Vincente offers no Derby points, but it’s a great steppingstone race for future Derby prep races.
Good luck kmi.
Hey Bill … the San Vincente comes up interesting in that Bullard has some new young gun shooters coming for him. He was favored in the Bob Hope, but I think that CyberTruckin Barnes (if he goes) will be the choice this go around. Nice handful of 3 year old races next weekend for sure. Should be fun! I have 2 going on my 10+1 list, if they go (Bullard, Gaming). Good luck to ya also.
Hi Bill,
You went missing for a while. I hope all is well.
All is well Counter Point.
Thanks for asking.
Romanesque will take some of my cash. He is big strong looking colt with tactical sped and excellent late race stride extension
Ahead of his debut he recorded a 6F breeze in 1:11.80. Interestingly his next breeze at the distance was 1:14.00. That’s slow for a BB pupil. But there is nothing wrong with slow and steady.
How often is the 1996 BCC winner Alphabet Soup seen as dam sire?
Practical Joke is emerging as a very good sire.
That 1:11.80 work was out the gate too! BB normally puts a tightner followed by a relaxed gallop near a distance the colt will run. I prefer that method moreso than asking a colt to enter a race at 1-⅛ with a 4 furlong work like TP normally does. I believe longer works adds endurance and stamina to one’s capacity to the task at hand. Goodluck
He’s a ‘factory trainer’ noted for pushing too hard.
I like a first time starter tomorrow, Fairgrounds race eight #7 Reading Time (10-1), for Peter Eurton, nu City of Light/Violence……another first timer in that race #5 Lost and Found (8-1) a homebred by Liam’s Map/Tapit and she is grey, as you would figure.. .
Brad Cox has a couple of 2yr. old colts set to debut tomorrow, 12-28, one at Gulfstream Park and the other at Oaklawn Park.
Tappan Street, by Into Mischief, out of a Distorted Humor, sold for a cool million at auction and has been firing bullets in his last three works at 5 furlongs. He’s entered in GP’s 5th race, at a distance of 7 furlongs. His main source of competition appears to be Jimmy’s Dally, but this colt hasn’t raced in 6 months. However, judging by his last 5-furlong bullet work in 59 3/5, he appears to be ready for his 2nd start.
Caribbean Dream, by Tapit, out of an Into Mischief mare, is a Juddmonte homebred, is entered in Oaklawn Park’s 3rd race, at a distance of 6 furlongs. Innovator is entered in this race as well, and gave the highly regarded Barnes all he could handle, two races back at Churchill (Nov. 27th). Trained by D. Wayne Lucas, Innovator has placed 2nd four times, in six starts. Mr. Lucas believes in building a strong foundation for his horses.
That said, keep an eye on Tappan Street and Caribbean Dream tomorrow in their respective races.
Thanks for the alert Bill… There is another son of Into Mischief (out of Seek and Destroy by Verrazano) debuting at Tampa in 10 minutes… No Escape is a 2/1 favorite in the 1 mile and 70 yards race. Todd Pletcher got another one there named Reproche (Blame) who was 5/2 in the Moring Line but went up to 8 to 1 now.
It is not unusual to see Todd Pletcher using Tampa Bay Downs to start and move forward some of his young prospects… Let’s see how they perform today at the quirky track to gauge their future…
You’re welcome Nelson, and thanks for the heads up the two colts that you mentioned.
David, HAP has a very nice filly in Mega Mil, who won her 2nd start easily at AQU…
Her 2nd dam is Silverbulletday !
Yes, Betsy, I thought you’d be pleased with Mega Mil’s win and looking forward to Heart of Honor’s return on January 10. New Year wish!!
2025 sees the progeny of Essential Quality and Tacitus first year of racing. Fingers crossed.
Yeah, Mega is a lovely filly ….
Counting the days until January 10, lol
Time flies, doesn’t it? It just seems like they were racing!
Invictus $1,200,000 – Into Mischief / Serengeti Empress.
Below are 3 reasons I would be against purchasing this yearling –
1) January foals are products of mares who are placed under lights to be receptive to stallions outside the period mandated by Mother Nature. Are there any negatives associated with the manipulation of a mare’s cycle? This is unknown. Rachael is a January foal. So too was Mr. Prospector. A KD winner with a January foaling date is as rare as a Blue Moon.
2) Serengeti Empress is a member of the millionaire G1 wining broodmare club. Members of this club are the least likely to foal a KD winner and/or winner of a TC race.
3)Serengeti empress is a KY Oaks winner. Mares that win the KY Oaks do not produce KD winners. OK! That’s not entirely true.
Princess Turia was the dam of Forward Pass who was the promoted from 2nd to 1st in the 1968 KD, after the subsequent disqualification of Dancer’s Image. Does the aforementioned qualify as a KY Oaks winner producing a KD winner? Are Technical KOs regarded the same as same KOs?
Would this experienced syndicate take advised based purely on historic data and reservation regarding the manipulation of mare’s cycle, the least of the 3 disqualifiers? Grossly unlikely!
Invictus has raced once and finished 7th by 15 1/2L. That was in July, and he hasn’t made start since. His one reported work since was at Winstar Training Center.
Nelson and David, Jamie Osborne tweeted a video of Heart of Honor working… he looks fantastic, and so gorgeous
I’m 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 that he turns out to be the real deal
Thanks for the update Betsy…Where can we see that workout?
I hope Hear of Honor gets to run in the UAE Derby and it would be even nicer if he can follow the hoofsteps of Toast of New York up to the BCC… Jamie Osborne has already taken that route successfully…!
You’re welcome, Nelson – it’s on Jamie’s Twitter !
I meant to add….I hope so, too! He’s pointing to a race on January 10, so that will be a big day!
He’s in good hands!!
A notable performance today by the 3-year-old Liberal Arts has flown under the radar. The son of Arrogate won a 1 1/16-mile Allowance at Fair Grounds by a mounting 12 lengths against a decent group of older horses.
Liberal Arts entered the Derby picture after an easy win in the Street Sense Stakes followed by a 3rd in the Southwest Stakes. He had a lot of troubles in the backstretch of the Arkansas Derby and got injured in the Lexington Stakes. Liberal Arts had reappeared after almost 7 months on the bench with an easy win on November 6 at Churchill in an excellent time of 1:28 3/5 for the 7.5 furlongs on a sloppy track.
Liberal Arts looks stronger and more mature now being undefeated in two Allowances since going to Brad Cox and will be one of the protagonists of the Older division next year. BTW the stellar trainer is primed to have his best ever run with older horses in 2025 with the likes of Saudi Crown, First Mission, Kinetic, Highland Falls and the up-and-coming Catching Freedom, Nash, Most Wanted, Encino, Hit Show, Just a Touch, Drum Roll Please, Senior Officer, and perhaps with another son of Arrogate named Dragoon Guard.
Another good performance at Fair Grounds was the debut of Brad Cox’s 2-year-old Gunmetal who won the 6 furlongs in an outstanding 1:09 4/5 considering how heavy the track was playing today. Gunmetal is another son of Gun Runner that could be climbing the Stakes ladder next year. His third dam is a full sister to the great Tiznow…
There is a lot of promising new comers to look for in route to the Triple Crown Series…
Another Gun Runner that paddles.
Congratulations Hoosier Philly and to She Feels Pretty.
Hooray for Raging Torrent!
Arlingtonfan: He was my pick too! Sad that the Derby winner finished last. Kind of a big ask after an 8 month layoff.
Trust me when stating not his last last dance.
Come on Mike!
The KD destroyed this colt. The colt isn’t a genuine router. The KD is known for doing damage its winners that have suspects stamina.
Further, Mystik Dan last two wins were at 11/1 & 18/1. This indicated he isn’t highly regarded by the betting public and for good reasons.
He isn’t as good as his KD win indicate. His record is 10 starts with 3 wins. His last dance against the upper echelon of the division was in the KD. He probably will be unable to win against those just below those in the upper echelon as that group is loaded with talented late bloomers.
Will agree he endured a difficult summer, not sure he’s done.
With no racing in northern CA until next June, I sure envy the folks who can go to Santa Anita’s opening day today! Looking forward to watching the Malibu online.
It is a curiosity that the last two columns by Steve are eulogies for Always Dreaming and Uncle Mo. Their untimely passing inspired those heartfelt tributes. Steve is celebrating the life of these wonderful and ephemeral athletes in the eyes and hearts of their (human) families. It is about sharing memories of triumphs, good times and overcoming challenges that strenghten the millenary bond between men and horse.
Uncle Mo is one of those rare champions who also excelled as a sire. Many of you may remember his outstanding first (2013) crop. Uncle Mo was the sire with the greatest number of Derby nominees with 19 in 2016. Ten of them were deemed Derby material at some point over the Winter and Spring: Forevamo, Mo Tom, Uncle Lino, Sea Wizard, Mo for the Money, Rally Cry, Laoban, Outwork and, of course, Uncle Mo’s opu magnum, Nyquist.
Three sons of Uncle Mo qualified for that 2016 Derby (the winner Nyquist, Mo Tom and Repole’s Outwork) with Laoban as Also-Eligible.
Nyquist emulated his sire by being a champion 2-year-old who also became a first-crop champion sire.
The people who bred or buy race horses name them dreaming of seeing their names enshrined in the history books. But the sad reality is that their horses will most likely vanish into the clouds of oblivion. That is why Mike Repole and any other owner feel blessed by owning the ultimate race horse.
Before Uncle Mo the best Repole horse was the aptly named Driven by Success; the New York bred ran until 7 years of age winning 9 races including 4 restricted (NYB) Stakes and banking $607K. His best race was a third in the 2009 Carter Handicap.
An Repole’s Nonna Mia (2nd dam of Fierceness) was among the top four 2-year-old fillies of New York in 2009.
As Steve said, Repole partnership with Todd Pletcher has been one of the most successful ones in the history of American horse racing. From 2011 to 2024 (Post Uncle Mo era) Pletcher has amassed 753 Stakes wins. Repole Stables and its partners won 114 (15%) Stakes out of those Pletcher scores. The Hall of Fame trainer got 110 Grade-One wins with Repole’s horses getting 24 of those (22%).
I must hightlight though that Todd Pletche, over the 14 years before the arrival of Uncle Mo, had won 724 Stakes including 132 Grade Ones … In fact, 2010 was spectacular for Pletcher: Eskendereya looked like a solid Derby favorite after his phenomenal Wood Memorial but after his injury the stable torch was passed to Super Saver; 2010 was the year of Quality Road winning the Metropolitan, the Woodward and the Donn Handicap by 13 lengths in Stakes record time.
Also, Life at Ten, Devil May Care, Discreetly Mine , R Heat Lighting, Malibu Prayer, and Uncle Mo completed the Grade One band for Pletcher in 2010.
So, is Repole a chief agent for Pletcher’s success or is Pletcher the real catalyst of Repole’s achievements as owner for the last 14 years? Anyway, like every successful entrepeneur, Mike Repole is always relying on the best people to materialize his vision.
Fifteen Grade One victories and three champions over the last three years have boosted Repole’s impetus to expand his breedin g and racing operations. He has been very active in all the premier auctions the last two years including Arqana in France, and for the first time, in Japan.
God bless the prosperous people who spread prosperity into the horse racing industry. Their passion and energy are the first pillars of the sport of kings.
Mike Repole and his 40 partnerships are good for horse racin and I hope that the Muhammad Ali of horse owners gets another Uncle Mo in the coming years… but above all, I hope the lows of the sport never foil his passion and commitment to horse racing. I wish the Champagne never stops flowing for Repole, his family and friends for the foreseeable future.
Nice post, Nelson! Some breathtaking reporting on how dominant Pletcher has “quietly” become.
Updated futures odds:
Madaket Road 25-1
San Saba 30-1
It appears the hype on San Saba was just that.
Yes Zany…The son of Justify looked very tired in the last furlong … not very promising debut for San Saba as you said.
I liked Madaket Road to win the race as his debut in the Bob Hope was in fact very impressive … although I don’t like his pedigree as a Classic one but the son of Quality Road could be very useful up to the 9 furlongs… on the other hand, the pedigrees of Bullard and Journalism are better suited for the Classic distances.
Father Ted is another maternal grandson of Uncle Mo that looks like a potential Stakes horse…
It has been very though to predict how these young runners would evolve in 4 months time …the last 8 Derby winners were not top ranked horses by December…
San Saba definitely got tired, but it was only his first race. Madaket Road performed strongly, as did Father Ted. Now let’s see if this year’s Kentucky Derby winner can pull off the elusive Derby-Malibu double.
Both San Saba and Father Ted were first time starters.
A BB horse with this much hype should perform better. He’ll find a softer spot late January early February.
As for Mystik Dan, he never looked comfortable in the race.
Nelson and Ms B,
Think San Saba is beautifully bred. Not sure how successful he will be based on how hard he hits the ground with each stride. On the turn he did appear to wing out a bit on left fore.
Just to be certain of my observation I watched one of his workouts and he did the same, hitting the ground hard.
Is this something BB can improve upon. Guess only time will tell.
Yes Lynda … San Saba is a blue blood horse… As I posted earlier it would be nice to see a great grandson of the great Azeri winning at the highest level. With that said, I agree with you that San Saba is not an efficient mover and needs to improve a lot…perhaps it takes more time to make him Stakes fit due to his massive physique however …
My point is that Madaket Road continues to impress as he was able to overcome a bad start and make up more than 4 lengths on San Saba. Assuming that both will be improving at the same rate I still think that Madaket Road is better runner … but then again that could change over the next four months …
San Saba looked like he would win for fun…Johnny V was a statue, hands still….but the horse had nothing—mewonders if he bled, or had breathing trouble—he looked to be toying with the inside horse…
Well Johnny V was sitting chilly on San Saba….but he had nothing! Not as big framed as Justify…(by that I mean distance between front and back legs)….I put up a small wp on Father Ted, the Teddster looks like a nice one….
Thanks Steve for the article. Count me in as a follower of Mike Repole.
The saying in Southern California was ‘what do you open the day after Christmas?’ And of course, it’s Santa Anita. The card is full and will have the attention of horseracing fans since just a handful of tracks are open today. Kenny McPeek and Brad Cox has brought their horses to compete against the locals but I find it interesting that Chad Brown hasn’t brought any of his stock since they are 3 turf stakes races totaling almost three quarters of a million dollars available today.
And speaking of local trainers-Baffert has his two horses entered to run in the second race with one horse San Saba getting alot of attention on the backstretch and in the KD future betting while not even had run a race. But it isn’t the only two year unraced colt that is getting attention in the KD future betting. Cornucopian (Into Mischief-Magical World, by Distorted Humor, $1.1 million) just had a work on Dec. 20, 46.6 1/8) Something to note….Citizen Bull, who will probably, should and will be the Eclipse Champion two year old colt has a similiar line (Into Mischief-No Joke, by Distorted Humor. But I can’t find who owns Cornucopian.
Cornucopian, is owned by SF Racing Lic. Starlight Racing or Madake, who coincidently owns Madaket Road.
KMI’s top 10+1
1) Citizen Bull
2) East Avenue
3) Chancer McPatrick
4) Gaming
5) First Resort
6) Poster
7) Ferocious
8) Journalism
9) Sovereignty
10) Bullard
+1) Rated By Merit
Your list certainly captures top prospects in the division.
Is there any particular reason Patch Adams was not included?
Sovereignty is ranked low for a colt that broke its maiden in a graded stakes against winners. To the best of my knowledge, no other 2YO has same on its resume.
Mark Case has a nice Tapit colt that was acquired for $1.2M. He was an impressive winner last out.
I am interested to see how Hot Property performs in his 2nd start. He is out of a routing mare that has the best RR of any on your list.
When a 2YO makes an impressive winning debut around 2Turns. Regardless of its modest winning time, its performance should be viewed as a noteworthy as the 10F distance of the KD lesser of a challenge.
In answering your 1st question, Patch Adams maiden win at the maiden level isn’t enough to put him or any other maiden in the top 10+1.
Sovereignity can move up. There are a couple ahead of him who are holding a tenuous position at best.
I have Hot Property and some other maiden winners as well. I concur with you about 2 year olds breaking their maiden around 2 turns, that’s a plus! It’s still early, so the 10+1 will be evolving. By the way, do you have a list to post?
I like your #’s 8 & 9 …Patch Adams sure looked good…..
I am just catching up on things and was so sorry to read that Uncle Mo is no longer with us. Thank you for this heartwarming tribute, Steve.
I have revisited the last 20 renewals of the malibu to see the prevailing trend. My limited vocabulary inhibits me from retrieving the words to accurately describe the race that brings down the curtains on the 3YO season. So, below is my best description.
The Malibu is a Heaven for sprinters and a Hell for closers. If an entrant is a G1 caliber sprinter it is likely to be rewarded. However, if an entrant is a closer it is likely to be punished by the share pace of the race. But ever so rarely an entrant converts from its Hell to Heaven.
In the last 20 years the entrant that closed from furthest of the pace was the BB trained Shakin It Up who won the 2013 renewal closing 11 3/4L off the pace win at 17/1. Six years later stablemate McKinzie closed from 10th 5L off the pace to win a rare position for a post time favorite.
If has ben 10 year since a major upset in the Malibu. A BBs entrant has won 6 of the last 13 renewal and a late closing entrant from his barn was responsible for the last major upset. A major upset winner is overdue. But just who is that likely entrant?
I like Winterfell. He has a horrible record at SA Park. If that was due to the fact the was as good when he was shipped to the Est coast. His last 3 wins and high Equibase fire of 115 makes him an appealing longshot.
Buckpasser and Ferdinand won The Malibu, and they came from far back—good horses can do that—I hope to get a good close-up view of the Derby winner, they came a long way for this, methinks not just for the beautiful view!..
When referring to a horse as a champion does there need to be caveat. Are all horses that secure year end championship awards, true champions?
Storm The Court won the BCJ and secured the Eclipse for Champion 2YO. In his subsequent 26 starts he never recorded a victory. Should the recently retired BCJ winner meet his demise. Would it be appropriate for his owners in a tribute to refer to him as s a champion in general terms?
Uncle Mo was a 2YO Champion. He was defeated in 3 of his 5 start as a 3YO. One of his starts was the specifically written Timely Writer for his 3YO debut.
I am probably viewing the classification of Champion incorrectly. For every graded stake that I horse wins it automatically become the reigning champion for the stakes for a year. Consequently, Uncle Mo was a champion multiple times for his wins in the Champagne, BCJ and Kelso. But such a reference for graded stakes wins would apply to scores of horses.
When I read comments alluding to horse being a champion. I hardly default to a 2YO championship. Why? Very few 2YO champions emerge as 3YO and older champions.
Essential Quality won the BCJ and went on to secure year end championship humors. He was also voted champion 3YO. Should Uncle Mo and Essential Quality be viewed equally as champions?
I contend that Uncle Mo should be referred to as a 2YO champion instead of just champion. But then owners then to use the classification of Champion loosely.
I am not devoid of emotions, but emotions shouldn’t allow for not stating certain pertinent facts.
Uncle Mo was sick as a three-year old, if you read the article or remember his career. Later his connections made the mistake of running him in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, not Mile. He must not have been fit enough after his comeback, and then he got sick again. A bad illness is a great reason for losing three out of five starts in a year.
Well heck, repeat champions are rare, in any category, not just two year olds…and the two year old category is the one that will have late bloomers, who might not even have started at two—
Sad to see Uncle Mo go so soon at the age of 16, but hopefully his progeny will keep his legacy alive. I appreciate what Mike Repole brings to the sport, yet I can’t help but wonder if one of his visits to the winner’s circle will produce a heart attack. His hyper behavior makes me nervous for him. Just my perspective, but he seems to put too much stress on himself.
Another behind the scenes story well told, Steve. Happy Hanukkah to you and your family and a Merry Christmas to all who gather here on Secretariat.com to share their love of horseracing.
“I appreciate what Mike Repole brings to the sport”
There is no doubt Mr. Repole has a lot invested in the sport. But I often wonder if he is a man blinded by his refusal to see. If I had an opportunity, I would pose the following questions to the highly animated owner.
1) Why were you so vehemently opposed to the discontinuation of use of RDM (Lasix) in Breeder Cup Races?
2) Did you seriously believe Uncle Mo could defeat Frankel if Frankel was as proficient
on dirt as is on turf?
3) Given TP’s KD record, have you ever considered expanding you roster of trainers?
4) Are you still of the opinion that TP is the greatest trainer to ever place a bridle on a horse?
5) What are your views on trainers with repeated and multiple medication infractions?
6) Are you concerned with the continuous and inexplicable loss of form by seemingly healthy horses?
7) Given the Maximum Security and Jasen Servis revelation, what are your views on enhancement to sure an advantage?
Uncle Mo was a very good 2YO who had the prospect of being a really great racehorse. But was he unfortunate to be part of a program that didn’t allow for the realization of his full potential?
Counter, Merry Christmas!
What am I missing? You’re concerned for a billionaire? Were you as concerned last year when connections were intent on pushing Forte to run in Derby- when not in his best interest?
You sure about that Mike? What was the reason for the 11th hour Forte scratch? Because he ran just fine, in the Belmont five weeks later, finished 2nd that day—did a lame horse have a miraculous recovery?
Seems the vet had a problem regarding running Forte.
Yes Mike I know that….a vet scratch cannot train for a prescribed amount if time, hence they missed the Derby and Preakness—when allowed, he ran a solid 2nd to the 3yo Eclipse Award winner, in The Belmont—my reply to your post was based on your implying Repole and Pletcher were “pushing Forte onto running in The Derby against his better interests”—-they disagreed with that vet–is THAT not allowed, now?
Sure it’s allowed, however I agree with vet. Betting Life At Ten loves Pletcher,right? Lol
Yes and yes. My empathy for another human being or horse, for that matter, does not come with a price tag.
Dewey, to each their own. My respect for owners/ trainers comes at a premium. However,every single horse merits my respect.
Thank you Steve, for the best Christmas present, a loving story. Hopefully, Uncle Mo has more sire sons like Nyquist to represent him in the future. Caro was a favorite horse, racing and breeding.
It’s a picture perfect summer day for Christmas here today – no wind, no clouds – reaching 90 in the late afternoon. Yesterday was a cool 64 but tomorrow is forecast to be windy and 104. Miserable and lots of watering early in the morning.
Have a wonderful time, everybody and Steve, thank you for the decades of pleasure you have given racing. Best wishes.
Thanks very much David. Happy Holidays.
Steve, very nice article.
Repole can give the impression of being an outspoken pompous individual. However, after reading this, I’m convinced that his heart is in the right place when it comes to TB racing and aftercare. RIP Uncle MO!
Happy Holidays!!
Great piece Steve. It saddens me to hear this news. I guess we have more reasons to light more candles! Happy Hanukkah!
Merry Christmas Leonard and everyone at Secretariatdotcom!
Thanks so far for all the comments and kind words.. They are all greatly appreciated. I wish everyone a very Happy Holiday.
Thank you!
Happy Hanukkah!
I used to think that Mike Repole was just a big talker with a lot of money. I’ve long since changed my opinion. Racing needs someone that outspoken. Also, behind the scenes he does a lot, putting his money to good use for the welfare of the horses. All respect to him, and condolences on his loss of Uncle Mo.
In a sport of multi-million dollar babies….a couple of blue collar guys bred a one-win mare ($8k maiden claimer) to an obscure stallion named Lucky Pulpit—they got a two-time Horse of the Year, and top rated horse in the world! A $40k yearling filly by a stallion named “Anna” will soon be crowned HOY—and that unpredictable quality is what makes The Sport of Kings—the best sport! So many steps, little and big–to the winners circle—an unending fountain of stories to tell—this little site has an incredible story teller, with a baby of apt pupils, who help stir this pot of plenty….Here’s to a terrific 2024, and a tremendous 2025 to all!..
(Bevey?..)…
Lovely post.
I like Mike Repole! Not for his sugar water he turned into multi billions, I like him as a horse owner, and his outspoken support of his sport—day after Christmas I intend to get an up close, of his Accuracy, whom he brought to Santa Anita out of his support for our racing—he recognizes the problem out here, and he does what he can….I was on the fence, about attending opening day—but the crowd won’t be too large, not like Del Mar Summer opening day—not like the big days of the 1970s, where the place would get massive crowds….
Santa Anita always could handle big crowds–I want to attend because: This will be the best card of the entire year…a one day despite, from the reality of California Racing…
There is always that one special horse that lights the candle of passion in our hearts and soul and for Mike that horse was Uncle Mo.
He has so many treasured memories and moments with his special one, Uncle Mo.
Thank you Steve for sharing one of them with us.
STEVE LOVE YOUR WORK AND YOUR LOVE OF HORSE RACING. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON. ROGER
A great story, Steve — one where you showed the heart of Mike Repole as much as Uncle Mo. Repole was probably right that Mo was lengths better than the others in that year’s Derby. He was a brilliant horse, and such a wonderful sire. Happy Holidays to you and your family. (We’re having a white Christmas here in the Catskills; such a treat!)
Ms B, have a FB friend who lives close to Saratoga. She has been sharing photos on her photos of the snow. So beautiful!
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas to you and your family.
And to you and yours! Lynda, you are one of the most thoughtful, knowledgable folks who post here. I really appreciate what you share.
Great article. It had all the momentum of Repole himself. I like Mike. We need people who shake things up with no pretense.
Todd, I like Mike as well, always have and his daughter is so adorable.
I liked Uncle Mo.
So did I. Another one left way too soon. Very sad.
Gone too soon. So many more chapters to write. Thanks for the champagne celebration of Uncle Mo.
Bravo Mr.Haskin! Happy Holidays!