Uncle Mo Juvenile Impressive On Debut

The Steve Asmussen-trained Gulfport (2c Uncle Mo x Fame and Fortune, by Unbridled’s Song) let the world know he is aiming to become the barn’s next superstar after a seven length Maiden Special Weight debut victory at Churchill Downs.

Tabbed a TDN ‘Rising Star’ in honor of the victory, Gulfport flew past the leader in the stretch after stalking him and the race was all but over from there. Brian Hernandez Jr gave the inexperienced juvenile a hand ride to the wire with all but the longtime pacesetter at least 10 lengths behind him.

Owned by William and Corrine Heiligbrodt, Jackpot Farm, and Whispering Oaks Farm, Gulfport was purchased for $275,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton July Sale to Pick View from Eaton Sales.

Bred by Diamond Creek Farm, the colt is out of the winning Unbridled’s Song mare Fame and Fortune.

A winner who was fourth at the stakes level, Fame and Fortune is also the dam of Grade III third Favor with the mare now producing two winners from three to race. A full sister to the Grade I-winning Cross Traffic, Fame and Fortune is a daughter of the dual Grade I winner Stop Traffic. That mare has produced three stakes winners and five stakes performers overall with another daughter producing the Grade II-placed Lightscameraaction.

Gulfport has a yearling full sister to come.

It was a big week for Uncle Mo, who also sired the OBS June Sales topper on Wednesday.