Uncle Mo questionable for Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 14 (UPI) -- Uncle Mo, the one-time Kentucky Derby favorite, has a gastro-intestinal tract infection and now is uncertain for the Run for the Roses.

Trainer Todd Pletcher said Thursday in a written statement the results showed up in blood work done after Uncle Mo suffered his first career defeat in Saturday's Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. He finished third in that race.

Pletcher said veterinarians treating the colt "also concluded that Uncle Mo is perfectly capable of returning to full training while the treatment continues."

He said Uncle Mo therefore will ship to Churchill Downs and remain in training.

However, owner Mike Repole added, "Though it has been a lifelong dream to run and win the Kentucky Derby, if Uncle Mo is not 100 percent, we will skip the Derby and go right to the Preakness." Pletcher concurred.

After the Wood Memorial, Churchill Downs oddsmaker Mike Battaglia moved Uncle Mo out of the favorite's spot for the Derby, installing The Factor in that role. The Factor, trained by Bob Baffert, is slated to run in Saturday's $1 million, Grade I Arkansas Derby.