Good Things Come in Small Packages

They usually end up being the greatest races, but it’s tough to watch some of my favorite horses race against each other. However, it’s one of the best parts of racing. Of course, it happens often in big races and it will definitely happen in the Kelso when Uncle Mo and Jackson Bend go head and head.

Uncle Mo
Photo: Terri Cage

Every horse in the field has talent, but Uncle Mo has shown the highest level of sheer talent. Many eyes will be on the son of Indian Charlie, but those eyes should also keep a lookout for Jackson Bend. Both Uncle Mo and Jackson Bend have become two of the top horses in the nation and are forces to be reckoned with.

Uncle Mo is obviously a very popular horse. The Eclipse Champion Two-Year-Old Male is putting in his final prep for the Breeders’ Cup after just missing in the Foxwoods King's Bishop Stakes (GI). His connections are using the Kelso as the colt’s last race before the Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI), though many believe he should go in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (GI) instead.

Jackson Bend is a horse that is expected to run in the Dirt Mile. The four-year-old is coming off impressive wins in the James Marvin Stakes and Forego Stakes (GI). The son of Hear No Evil seems to have found his niche in one-turn races. With his explosive late kick, he seems to be Uncle Mo’s top competition.

Also in the field is Jersey Town, who won the Cigar Mile in late November. He’s only raced twice this year, in which he has finished second in two stakes races, including the Forego. The other horse in the field, Golddigger's Boy, is a stakes winner. Sangaree will miss the Kelso due to a cough, leaving the Kelso as a four-horse field.


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