2011 Kentucky Derby: Churchill Downs Cries Uncle as Mo Succumbs to Man-Cold

As many expected, this year's favorite at 9-2, Uncle Mo has scratched one day before the race.  His owner said he would not risk his horse's health just to run in this arena. Uncle Mo's stable mate, Stay Thirsty, will still run, but not with the eager anticipation that Mo brought to fans.

Faced with lack of appetite, a dull coat, and weight loss teams of veterinarians have yet to determine the cause of Mo's sickness. Uncle Mo is suffering from some sort of gastrointestinal tract infection. Though his body is physically fine, trainer Todd Pletcher made the decision not to run Mo in the big race.

Bloodhorse.com reports:

“One enzyme that is elevated has everyone baffled,” said Pletcher, noting that the enzyme that is elevated usually leads veterinarians to look at other aspects of the blood tests that shows what is wrong.

“It is very, very disappointing,” Pletcher said.

A favorite has scratched close to race time for the past three years. This may lead to future standards to prevent sickness and injury with the horses.

This came after the news earlier this week that Toby's Corner would not run due to a rear leg injury.

Dialed In is the next in line to win the crown of roses.  He's young, he agile, and he has the lines in Vegas rapidly swinging his way.

Don't discount Archarcharch (even though he is starting on the rail) or Nehro. The field is wide open. With the decision to scratch Uncle Mo, people are scrambling to determine who the winner of this year's Kentucky Derby will be.

Nothing has yet been decided on a replacement, if any, to complete the maximum field of 20, but Derby Kitten has replaced Toby's Corner.