Uncle Chuck Impressive in G3 Los Alamitos Derby
Less than a month after breaking his maiden on debut, Uncle Chuck (3c Uncle Mo x Forest Music, by Unbridled’s Song) won the Grade III Los Alamitos Derby in fine fashion to stay undefeated.
Uncle Chuck broke from the outermost post in the 1 1/8 mile race and raced in second a few paths wide behind the leader when battling for his position. Yielding to his rival and racing in third, Uncle Chuck relaxed under Luis Saez for most of the race. Powering around the track late in the race, the colt strolled to the outside of the pacesetter around the far turn.
Taking the lead in the final furlong, Uncle Chuck secured the win in only a few strides and pulled away to win by four lengths over Grade 2 winner Thousand Words.
A $250,000 Keeneland September purchase for Karl Watson, Michael Pegram, and Paul Weitman, the Bob Baffert trainee was bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings.
"He’s still pretty green, but he’s got gears," Baffert said. "Luis was excited about him and I think he’s one of the top riders in the country. He said (Uncle Chuck) is still learning and he’s got a lot of improvement in him. He was full of himself when he came back. It’s exciting. He’s learning quickly and he has brilliance. I was impressed. I think we just saw something pretty special and he’s been special from day one. He’s bred to be any kind.’’
One of three stakes winners and five winners from five to race for Grade II winner Forest Music, Uncle Chuck is also a half-brother to Grade III winners Electric Forest and Kentuckian. The colt also hails from the family of Grade I winners Antonella Baby, Diesmal, and Quiz Kid and Singapore champion Quechua.
Uncle Chuck is the 57th career stakes winner and 99th stakes horse for Uncle Mo with the top young stallion siring six graded stakes winners already in 2020.