Uncle Mo’s Serein Joins Oaks Trail

Taking on males in Japan on Saturday, Uncle Mo’s Serein (3f Uncle Mo x Tiz Miz Sue, by Tiznow) is possible for the UAE Oaks and Kentucky Oaks after winning her third race in four starts.

Running over nine furlongs on dirt, the filly broke strongly and went straight to the lead out of the gate under Yutaka Take. Galloping with her ears pricked, the bay filly didn’t seem to feel any pressure when keeping about a half-length on the field during most of the running.

Entering the stretch with her ears pricked, the filly quickly had to get to work when the field started closing on her but she kept a slight advantage throughout the run. Her determination was on full display in the final sixteenth of a mile when Serein had to hold off Pionono and was able to cross the line a neck in front for trainer Mikio Matsunaga.

Bred by Cres Ran, LLC, the filly was a $500,000 purchase by racing owner North Hills Co at the Keeneland September Sale from Paramount Sales.

Serein is the second winner from two runners out of Grade I winner Tiz Miz Sue, who has an American Pharoah colt. A three-time graded stakes winner, Tiz Miz Sue is also a half-sister to Listed winner Bulletin and out of Grade III winner Sue’s Good News.

Reports out of Japan after Serein’s victory have her pointed to the UAE Oaks with a potential tilt at the Grade I Kentucky Oaks in May.

Leading sire Uncle Mo is the sire of 53 stakes winners and 28 graded stakes winners with Grade I Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist, studmate and dual-surface graded stakes winner Mo Town and 2019 Eclipse finalists Bast and Mo Forza among his eight Grade I winners.