Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Mo Donegal

Dec 08, 2021 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

Donegal Racing’s Mo Donegal picked up 10 points on the 2022 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series following his nose triumph in the $250,000 Remsen S. (G2) at Aqueduct on December 4. The Uncle Mo colt negotiated 1 1/8 miles on the fast main surface in 1:53.61 in earning his first stakes tally with Irad Ortiz, Jr. in the stirrups.

“I thought he ran great. He was getting a good, ground-saving trip and put himself in a good spot,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “He kind of had to angle out a little bit and lost some ground there but it looked like when he got there, he is still trying to figure out how to polish it off”.

Mo Donegal debuted at Belmont Park on September 30 in a 6 1/2 furlong dash on the dirt. The 9-1 shot showed no early interest following a tardy break from the rail, but rallied well inside the final furlong to finish third, beaten by 5 1/4 lengths. Preceding the Remsen, he stretched out to 1 1/16 miles back at Belmont Park Oct. 21 and showed marked improvement when toppling maiden special weight foes by 1 1/2 lengths. The bay’s lifetime line now reads 3-2-0-1, with earnings of $197,800.

Bred in the Bluegrass State by Ashview Farm and Colts Neck Stables, Mo Donegal was  a $250,000 purchase for Donegal Racing at the 2020 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. He is the first stakes winner produced from the winning Pulpit mare Callingmissbrown, and the colt hails from the same female family as 2004 Acorn Stakes (G1) winner Island Sand and 2004 Queen’s Plate hero Niigon.

Mo Donegal has registered Brisnet Speed figures of 82, 91, and 93 from three career tilts to date. He has numerous stamina influences on his dam’s side, and he gives the impression of a youngster who will not have distance limitations going forward. He has a very high ceiling and should be formidable on the 2022 Triple Crown Trail with expected progression.