NEW YORK (AP) — Uncle Mo is back in a big way, cruising to victory in the Kelso Handicap at Belmont Park on Saturday.
The 3-year-old colt led from the start, and held off a brief challenge by Jackson Bend for a three-length victory over a muddy track.
Uncle Mo was sidelined nearly 412 months with a life-threatening liver disease and missed the Triple Crown races. He returned in August and was beaten by a nose in the King’s Bishop.
This time it was all Uncle Mo, who covered the mile in 1:33.82. The win likely will send trainer Todd Pletcher’s colt to the Breeders’ Cup Classic in five weeks.
In earlier races, 12-1 long shot Giant Ryan won the six-furlong Vosburgh, 1-2 favorite Stacelita captured the Flower Bowl and 3-5 favorite Cape Blanco took the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic.
