Uncle Jake making Laurel debut on Friday
At 0h36, on March 10, 2023 • By LAUREL PARK
Triple Crown-nominated Uncle Jake, a $675,000 son of champion Uncle Mo, is entered to make his first start for trainer Brittany Russell in Friday’s opener as live racing returns to Laurel Park.
The one-mile maiden special weight for 3-year-olds attracted a field of six led by 3-5 program favorite Uncle Jake, owned by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert Masterson, Stonestreet Stables, Jay Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan.
Uncle Jake hails from the same connections that moved Fort Warren from Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert to Russell, recently voted her second straight Renaissance Award as Maryland’s top trainer. Fort Warren, third in the Jan. 29 San Vicente (G3) at Santa Anita, shows one breeze Feb. 25 at Laurel, going a half-mile in 50.20 seconds.
Out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Tasha’s Miracle, a two-time Grade 3 winner in California, Uncle Jake debuted Jan. 29 in a six-furlong maiden special weight at Santa Anita, finishing fourth following a slow start. The runner-up in that race, Sonoran, came back with a 7 ½-length maiden special weight romp Feb. 20 for Baffert.
Uncle Jake has had three breezes at Laurel, most recently going four furlongs in 48.40 seconds, handily, March 5. Jevian Toledo is named to ride from Post 4.
