2011 Breeders Cup: Uncle Mo Leads Reasons Why You Need to Watch Breeders Cup

There is a lot to love about this Saturday's Breeders Cup race. If you are looking for the top reason to sit back and watch it all unfold, you can't do much better than Uncle Mo. 

The colt was hit hard by an illness that saw him drop a significant amount of weight. With the passion of a prize fighter, Uncle Mo has come back with a fervor rarely seen in any athlete, human or equine. 

The colt was sidelined with a severe liver disorder that put his career into question. There is one thing that you can say about Uncle Mo: he is a fighter. 

Owner Mike Repole paints what has been the picture of Uncle Mo's life:

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It’s a roller-coaster game. I don’t think anyone has been through a bigger roller coaster of highs and lows. But there’s something special about being on a roller coaster versus being on a merry-go-round—at least you get some highs.

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Indeed, there would be no higher point for Uncle Mo if he did came back from such tumult to win the Breeders Cup. He is currently the favorite going in, which is a testament to the work and ability he has had to put in to return to form. 

The last hurdle will be the Classic distance facing Uncle Mo. Trainer Todd Pletcher touched upon the most pressing question heading into the weekend. You know what the horse has in talent, but never can tell what will be given on a particular day, especially after what Uncle Mo has been through. He said:

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He's done nothing to indicate that he can't get the distance, but until he does it you don't know for sure. But he's coming into the race well and he's the most talented horse in the field.

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There will be plenty of subplots and tales of grandeur to follow this weekend. The one that most will be clamoring to hear more about is Uncle Mo. 

It is always comforting to hear about a sports figure coming back from the depths of injury and health issues. The same goes for Uncle Mo, who is indeed back in tremendous form.