NEWS
Uncle Mo leads 364 early nominations to Triple Crown
Posted: Sunday, February 13, 2011 12:03 AM
UNCLE MO
PhotosByZ.com/Thoroughbred Times
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Undefeated champion Uncle Mo headlines the list of 364 three-year-olds nominated early to the Triple Crown series of races.
The Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) will take place on May 7 at Churchill Downs, followed two weeks later with the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 21 at Pimlico Race Course, and culminating with the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 11 at Belmont Park.
The early nomination period closed on January 22. The late nomination period, costing $6,000 each, ends March 26.
Uncle Mo, trained by Todd Pletcher for owner Mike Repole, is one of 360 males nominated to the Triple Crown. Only four fillies were early nominated.
“The impressive roster of nominees to the Triple Crown provides proof that the desire to achieve horse racing’s ultimate dream of a Kentucky Derby win and Triple Crown sweep of the Preakness and Belmont Stakes is as strong as ever,” said Don Richardson, Churchill Downs’ senior vice president of racing.
“Despite a difficult economy, a reduction in annual foal crops and other challenges to our horse industry, the Triple Crown’s early nominations are basically flat with last year’s total (372). That’s a wonderful show of faith on the part of the international group of owners and trainers that have nominated horses to this year’s races. We appreciate their support and anticipate a thrilling and memorable Triple Crown series in 2011.”
Pletcher and Bob Baffert lead all trainers with 20 nominated horses each while Steve Asmussen has 17 nominees in his care.
Darley sire Bernardini has the most nominees by progeny with 18, followed by Tapit (13), and Distorted Humor (ten). Darley nominated 13 horses to the three American classics, the most of any owner.
A Triple Crown sweep – one of the most difficult feats in all of sports – has been accomplished just 11 times: Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1942), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977) and Affirmed (1978). Fifty other horses have finished one win shy of capturing the series. (For a history of the Triple Crown, click here.)
For a complete list of nominations, click here.
