For Mo Tom, it was about time. Tom Amoss’ talented colt who specialized in finding trouble throughout the Kentucky Derby prep season finally got the clean trip his connections were looking for. With no self inflicted trouble it was ‘smooth sailing’ for Mo Tom as he easily took the victory in the $500,000 Ohio Derby at Thistledown. Adventist finished second three lengths behind with 79-1 Discreet Lover coming in third.

Amoss clearly felt vindicated with the win. During the Kentucky Derby prep season he constantly sounded the refrain that Mo Tom was a strong closer than just needed a clean trip. Skeptics suggested that Amoss was just ‘making excuses’ for a horse that just had a knack for finding ways to lose races. Amoss also blamed jockey Corey Lanerie. But with a new jockey that stayed clear of any chance of trouble, Mo Tom is a winner. Admittedly, the Ohio Derby field wasn’t especially stellar but otherwise the victory was just how Amoss drew it up.

Mo Tom’s three year old campaign started well as he took the win in the Grade 3 Lecomte at Fairgrounds Park. It was downhill from there–he finished 3rd in the Risen Star and would have almost certainly won had he not found trouble in the stretch. He might have won the Louisiana Derby where he finished fourth. He had a minor issue in the Kentucky Derby but could only finish 8th.

Amoss skipped the Preakness and Belmont correctly figuring that his horse was better served ‘stepping down in class’. He made the jockey switch that he was forever threatening putting Javier Castellano aboard. It worked like a charm. Castellano dropped to the rear of the pack and well to the outside. After the race, Amoss said what everyone was thinking: “I feel validated. That was sweet.” About his pre-race instructions to Castellano Amoss said: “I told him, ‘When he starts running, just get out of his way. We don’t want any trouble.'”

Sired by Uncle Mo, there’s reason to think that Mo Tom might just be a ‘late bloomer’. There’s no immediate plan for his next race though Amoss indicated a desire to ‘head East’ after the race (presumably to Saratoga).