Scratch of Uncle Mo made official

[MaTH716]

From a handicappin perspective, I'm just glad he's officially out. Because if he ran, I felt he had to be used, even with all the speculation that surrounded him. One less (good) horse to have to worry about.

[slotdirt]

Is there another race going where a horse can't get in off the AE list when there's a scratch 30+ hours from post?

[_ed_]

I was just going to ask about that. Over here we have three or four reserves for most big races that can get into the field if there's a scratch. I like that idea.

[Linny]

Originally Posted by Ogygian

What is the "official" reason why there isn't an "AE" list for the derby again Steve?

Because of advance wagering there are no AE's. Obviously, if there was an AE, Sway Away could have drawn in this am when Mo was announced as out, but once betting has opened today at about 10am, there would be no way to add to the field.

I think the whole circus with Mo is a mess.

[GBBob]

Originally Posted by Ogygian

What is the "official" reason why there isn't an "AE" list for the derby again Steve?

I was talking to an ex Racing Secretary at CD this morning and asked him that question. He gave two answers:

1) The betting and wagering would be compromised with AEs...In Uncle Mo's case he was scratched "relatively" early, but if there was a race day scratch, it would wreck the pools.

2) The second reason is more interesting....It has to do with the merchandising and all the glasses, T Shirts and Sweat shirts that are printed with the starting field listed. Those would become irrelevant....or a collector's item I guess?

[outofthebox]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Forget the specific horse that was excluded... Does anyone care to do the financials of what cutting the field to 19 cost the industry in lost handle?

An outrageously selfish act from someone professing to 'love the game'.

I just thought he was trying to keep the future bettors alive..

[parsixfarms]

This whole circus only makes one appreciate more how Bill Mott/Live Oak dealt with To Honor and Serve's slight suspensory issue. In other hands, he'd probably be on his way to the breeding shed by now.

[asudevil]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Forget the specific horse that was excluded... Does anyone care to do the financials of what cutting the field to 19 cost the industry in lost handle?

An outrageously selfish act from someone professing to 'love the game'.

That is a spot on assessment. The racing community and nation for that matter has had it's proverbial chain jerked for 5 months! As reported by some, this horse had a "procedure" late last year. The connections did a stellar job of concealing this from the press. In this day in age EVERYTHING eventually comes to light. It's the world we live in.

I don't know Mr. Repole. I certainly respect his enthusiasm and love for our game. We should have 20 more guys with deep pockets like himself enter the game. Hopefully there is a lesson learned given the selfish way his team operated throughout the derby trail.

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by asudevil

As reported by some, this horse had a "procedure" late last year. The connections did a stellar job of concealing this from the press.

The press found out; they simply refused to acknowledge it on the record.

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by fpsoxfan

Thanks Steve. I agree, it's a piss poor move by all of the connections. I can now understand why people are not a fan of Repole. It appears he has tried and succeeded to a point, to make Derby Week about him.

I tried to tell you after the Wood. It's all about him.

[randallscott35]

But how wil Repole make him the favorite now?

[slotdirt]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

I tried to tell you after the Wood. It's all about him.

You say this like it's not like that with every owner in the sport.

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

You say this like it's not like that with every owner in the sport.

B/c its not

[Clip-Clop]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

But how wil Repole make him the favorite now?

He will make Stay Thirsty the favorite??

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

You say this like it's not like that with every owner in the sport.

You can't defend him after this charade. No way. Take the blinkers off.

[slotdirt]

Find me a bazillionaire without an ego, particularly one involved in competitive enterprises.

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

Find me a bazillionaire without an ego, particularly one involved in competitive enterprises.

Not all horse owners are that rich. And many rich people are not assholes.

[slotdirt]

The whole Uncle Mo Derby leadup has obviously been a fiasco, but it wasn't like Repole was acting alone in this situation. Pletcher has to be assigned some blame as well, no?

And I still think Repole is good for the sport, and hope he sticks around for a long while and spends his money on lots of pretty ponies.

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

Find me a bazillionaire without an ego, particularly one involved in competitive enterprises.

He thinks he's above the game. Didn't this week prove that? What's endearing about that?

[Clip-Clop]

"His absence reduces the field for the 137th Derby to 19 horses. Dialed In is the 4-2 early favorite. In 2009, favorite I Want Revenge was scratched on the morning of the Derby with a career-ending leg injury."

From CBS Sports. Does any portion of the media do even a minute of homework/fact checking before they release something?