Uncle Mo wins Breeders' Cup Juvenile

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Uncle Mo kicked into gear at the top of the stretch and easily drew clear to win the $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile in a hand ride.

Boys At Tosconova was in the mix until the top of the lane and held on for second, 4 1/4 lengths back. Rogue Romance was third after leading early in the race. Jaycito, one of the top California juveniles, checked sharply on the first turn, bolted to the outside of the track and lost any chance.

With John Velazquez along for the ride, Uncle Mo completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.60.

Winning trainer Todd Pletcher said Velazquez "called on him at the top of the stretch and he just hit another gear." Asked what he liked about his colt, Pletcher replied, "He runs really fast for a long time. That performance gave me some chills."

It was only the third start for Uncle Mo and he has won all three. In his first start at Saratoga, he ran away to score by 14 1/4 lengths. Then, in the Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park, he romped again, this time by 4 3/4 lengths.

The dominating performance immediately started talk about next year's Kentucky Derby. However, Uncle Mo's sire, Indian Charlie, is not known for producing horses capable of the Derby's 1 1/4 miles so the Juvenile winner still has something to prove.