Uncle Mo Back in Customary Position Among Top 10 Sires

When we last met, we looked at how Gun Runner  was following a path of success similar to that of Uncle Mo . 

The precedents set by Uncle Mo as a modern-day sire by no stretch should be viewed in the context of a sire whose best days are behind him. Instead, Uncle Mo should be seen as not just a model of consistency, but one of greatness. In the latest look at the general leading sires list, Uncle Mo is the biggest climber over the past two weeks. He's moved up 14 places to No. 8.

Since entering stud in 2012, Uncle Mo—who stands for $150,000 at Ashford Stud in Versailles, Ky.—has been among the top sires in the Northern Hemisphere. He ranks 20th overall in lifetime progeny earnings. 

He was the top first-crop sire in 2015 and No. 63 overall. He climbed even higher the following year, to No. 3 overall, while also claiming the honor of top second-crop sire. Uncle Mo was propelled in both years by the success of Nyquist , the 2015 Eclipse champion 2-year-old male and subsequent Kentucky Derby (G1) winner. Uncle Mo set a North American freshman sire progeny earnings record of more than $3.67 million in 2015, which was surpassed in 2021 by Gun Runner at more than $4.27 million. 

Since ranking third in 2016, Uncle Mo finished No. 17 in 2017, No. 13 in 2018, No. 11 in 2019, No. 3 in 2020, No. 8 in 2021, No. 6 in 2022, and No. 4 in 2023. 

His 2024 season, even at this early juncture, is filled with the kind of potential that could make this not just special but looked back upon as his finest year as a stallion. 

Just in recent weeks, Uncle Mo has seen his 5-year-old daughter Adare Manor capture the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) at Oaklawn Park; Kingsbarns return to graded company for the first time since last year's Kentucky Derby and win the Ben Ali Stakes (G3); and another son, 3-year-old Grand Mo the First, finish third in the Florida Derby (G1) and earn a spot in the Kentucky Derby. 

With Uncle Mo's ascent in the Top 25, there was plenty of movement below him. All but two spots saw a change from two weeks ago. One of those positions that looks different than two weeks ago is at No. 24, now occupied by Uncle Mo's winningest offspring, Nyquist. 

The next biggest mover after Uncle Mo is another regularly high-ranking sire, Curlin . 

Curlin's 4-year-old daughter Coffee In Bed won the Santa Maria Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park April 21. Another 4-year-old filly, Raging Sea, claimed the Doubledogdare Stakes (G3) April 19 at Keeneland. Curlin, who finished second last year by progeny earnings, is currently eighth by lifetime progeny earnings among North America's active sires. side from Uncle Mo and Curlin, there was no change among the Top 10.