Uncle Mo Filly Serein Joins Oaks Trail After Japan Win
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Uncle Mo at Ashford Stud
After defeating males Jan. 25 in an allowance at Nakayama Racecourse, North Hills' Serein is possible for the Feb. 20 UAE Oaks (G3), a prep that awards the winner 50 points toward a spot in the May 1 Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1). Saturday's race was her third win in four starts.
The 3-year-old filly by Uncle Mo —Tiz Miz Sue, by Tiznow , broke strong in the 1,800-meter (about 1 1/8-mile) dirt race and went straight to the lead under Yutaka Take. Serein galloped with her ears pricked and didn't appear to feel any pressure. She kept about half a length on the field during most of the running.
With ears still pricked entering the stretch, Serein had to get to work when the field started closing on her, but she kept a slight advantage throughout the run. Her determination was on full display in the final sixteenth of a mile as she held off Pionono and finished a neck in front for trainer Mikio Matsunaga.
Bred in Kentucky by CresRan, Serein was a $500,000 purchase by North Hills Co. from the Paramount Sales consignment to the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The dark bay or brown filly is the second winner from two runners out of grade 1 winner Tiz Miz Sue, who has since foaled colts by American Pharoah and Curlin . Tiz Miz Sue, out of grade 3 winner Sue's Good News, is a half sister to Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner Bulletin.
Uncle Mo, who stands for $125,000 at Coolmore's Ashford Stud, sired 2019 Eclipse Award finalists Bast and Mo Forza.