The renamed Resorts World New York Casino Wood Memorial, a grade 1 event, will be run Saturday, April 9, at Aqueduct Racino in South Ozone Park. Favorite, Uncle Mo, will make his second start of the 2011 season.
He won his sophomore start at Gulfstream Park. Uncle Mo is owned by Queens native Mike Repole and is trained by Todd Pletcher.
Uncle Mo, the 3-year-old champion and son of Indian Charlie, is currently the favorite to win this year’s Kentucky Derby. In his four lifetime starts, he has won by a total of 26 and 3/4 lengths. His earnings for his four lifetime starts are $1,336,000. With over 200,000 bets in the Derby future win pool, Uncle Mo is the 3-1 favorite. Second choice is Dialed In after his impressive victory in the Florida Derby on Sunday.
While Dialed In was winning his race in Florida, Wood Memorial favorite Uncle Mo completed his preparation for Saturday. With John Velazquez, his regular jockey aboard, his workout was described by his trainer Todd Pletcher as “perfect.”
Uncle Mo fever will hit Aqueduct Racetrack when fans receive a bracelet to honor the champion’s appearance. The bracelets will be offered in two styles and the same colors as owner Mike Repole’s silks – royal blue with orange “Uncle Mo” text or orange with royal blue “Uncle Mo” text. Fans arriving at the track early will be given these bands while supplies last.
Uncle Mo will be tested in the Wood by Duca, owned by Robert C. Baker, along with Isn’t He Perfect, trained by Doodnauth Shivmangal. Gotham Race and grade 3 runner up Norman Asbjornson will join this very talented field of 3-year-olds.
Racing fans in Queens who can’t make it to Aqueduct can watch the Wood at an upgraded Belmont Cafe at Belmont Park in Elmont. There will be 65 new flat-screen televisions bringing the total to 145 at the track. There will be 12 more betting machines, bringing the total to 68 places to wager.
