2011 Kentucky Derby Favorites: Uncle Mo Ruled Out for Saturday's Race

Uncle Mo, one of the favorites for the 2011 Kentucky Derby, was officially ruled out on Friday after suffering gastrointestinal inflammation.

After galloping on Friday morning without his Derby Saddle towel, it was clear an announcement was soon to follow. It came shortly after at the track. 

Uncle Mo was the second favorite to win the race behind 4-1 favorite Dialed In. The juvenile champion from a year ago has been suffering from the stomach ailment recently, though it was believed he might be able to race on Saturday. 

Uncle Mo's owner, Mike Repole, is more concerned with the health of his prized champion than a shot a winning the Kentucky Derby.

"If he's not what we deem to be 100 percent tomorrow, he's not going to be 100 percent on Saturday," he said on Thursday. 

According to trainer Todd Pletcher, Uncle Mo has been showing signs of recovery, but apparently it wasn't enough to risk racing on Saturday. 

Whether or not Uncle Mo will be available for the Preakness Stakes on May 21 is not yet known, but based on Pletcher's report it seems possible. 

Our attention now turns to Nick Zito's Dialed In, whose odds of taking the first leg of a potential Triple Crown have now improved significantly. 

Though the field is considered to be tight and as wide open as any over the last few years, Dialed In will likely see his odds increase after Friday's reports. 

For full coverage of the 137th run for the roses, be sure to check out Bleacher Report's 2011 Kentucky Derby Hub