What are your thoughts on Uncle Mo's Returning Race?

[Indian Charlie]

I said it before his BCJ win, and thought it was obvious to everyone after the race, but how did people not notice that UM runs easily, relaxed and does exactly what the jockey wants?

Of course he could relax early and finish strongly! He'd already done that in his previous starts!

Pace in the Derby simply will not matter to UM.

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by Indian Charlie

how did people not notice that UM runs easily, relaxed and does exactly what the jockey wants?

Of course he could relax early and finish strongly! He'd already done that in his previous starts!

It's one thing to relax early and finish strongly when you have no target in front of you - and no dirt is being kicked in your face.

Until he proves he can do the same - from off the pace - while taking dirt in his eyes and nose ... he's still nothing more than a tactically gifted speed horse/stalker.

A lot of plodders and deep closers don't even react well the first time they take dirt kick-back. Look at Jaycito - and Royal Delta had a meltdown at Tampa over the weekend around the 1st turn.

[Indian Charlie]

Uh huh.