Mo Money
The 1992 comedy Mo Money revolves around a con man but there is nothing sinister about Uncle Mo except his pure talent.
It was on display for all to see at Gulfstream Saturday when he made it 4 in a row tow roping a soft group in the $100,000 Timely Writer at a mile.
The colt was off a tad slowly but easily set some moderate splits before drawing away by nearly 4 lengths.
The Beyer he posted was just so-so at 89 but it was a race he had to need and now he can go on to the next step.
This prep was not supposed to be some gut-wrenching battle, but just something to get him started on his way to Louisville. But with that said, the race has to be put into perspective.
The fact of the matter is that he got away with a very slow pace. He had a length lead after going a quarter in :25.53, a half-length lead after a :49.58 half and the same half length lead after getting three quarters in 1:13.69.
His final time of 1:36.56 really does not stand up all that great with the winner two races later in the mile Gulfstream Park Handicap.
Sure, that race is for older runners, but Tackleberry set faster splits, :47.68, 1:11.19 before getting the mile in 1:35.23.
Tackleberry recorded a 103 Beyer.
Uncle Mo has always been pointed next for the Wood Memorial on April 9 but his trainer, Todd Pletcher, is keeping his options open with the Florida Derby still a possibility.
A new shooter has emerged out West as Premier Pegasus ran away and hid from his San Felipe rivals.
Granted, the race fell into his lap as the early leaders finished last and second to last after going a ridiculous :44.58 and 1.08.98 early but Premier got a flawless ride from underrated Alonso Quinonez to post a 96 winning Beyer.
The interesting thing about Premier Pegasus is his pedigree. He is by Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus and out of Grade 3 placed over $150,000 earner Squall Linda.
His dam also dropped Grade 1 winner and over $400,000 earner Street Hero.
It would also be nice to see one of the hard-working little guys have success. Premier Pegasus was bred and owned by his trainer Myung Kwon Cho, who grew up in Seoul, South Korea and is an exporter in Los Angeles.
He has always been a clever gentleman and he has shocked in the past. He turned former claimer Video Ranger into a star, as that runner was 2nd in the Santa Anita Derby and fourth in the Kentucky Derby.
His sharp eye for a horse was evident since Day One and his $30,000 purchase Critical Factor when on to finish third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile despite the fact he was still a maiden.
In his career Cho started 4 horses in the Breeders’ Cup and three ran third.
Those that need value in this game should surely follow Premier Pegasus, who will take his next step to Kentucky in the Santa Anita Derby.
