Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Uncle Heavy

Feb 05, 2024 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

Michael Milam’s Uncle Heavy picked up 20 qualifying points on the 2024 Road to the Kentucky Derby following his nose victory in the $250,000 Withers S. (G3) at Aqueduct on Feb. 3. The Robert “Butch” Reid trainee negotiated 1 1/8 miles over the muddy track in 1:53.79 under the guidance of regular pilot Mychel Sanchez.

“He looked like he was just hitting his best stride about 50 yards from the wire. He really started stretching out nice,” Reid said.

“I have always felt all along with this horse, the further the better. He certainly proved that today. A mile and an eighth was obviously well within his grasp. He actually missed one of his breezes, and a few days of galloping due to the inclement weather, so for him to go ahead and do that is quite a testament to the horse’s staying ability.”

#8 Uncle Heavy closes and gets up just in time to win the G3 Withers S. and collect 20 @kentuckyderby points! 🏆🌹

Mychel Sanchez was aboard for trainer Robert Reid.

🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/vBKANeISDD

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) February 3, 2024

Uncle Heavy debuted at Parx on Oct. 23 and made good when rallying to a 1 1/4-length tally in a six-furlong maiden special weight. Unplaced second time out in the Pennsylvania Nursery S. on November 28, the colt annexed the Wait for It S. at Parx on Dec. 27 to conclude his juvenile campaign. His lifetime line reads 4-3-0-0, $293,580.

The winner was bred in the Keystone State by Barbara Reid and is the initial stakes victor out of the winning Tiz Wonderful mare Expect Wonderful. He is from the same female line as Panamanian champion Mr. Tommy.

Uncle Heavy has recorded Brisnet Speed ratings of 91-72-88-94 at this stage of his development. The stout son of Social Inclusion surely gives the impression of a colt who will prosper at classic distances, and if he continues to move forward, then the sophomore has to be recognized as an under-the-radar Kentucky Derby (G1) candidate.

While his next start has not been determined, the $750,000 Wood Memorial S. (G2) at Aqueduct on April 6 could be the next landing spot for Uncle Heavy.