Jake Mo: Potential Arkansas Derby Upsetter?

Stephen Brown’s Jake Mo had some hop to his step during an Easter morning workout at Oaklawn as he lays in wait as a potential upsetter in Saturday’s $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1).

The fourth-place finisher in the Rebel Stakes (G2) and runner-up in a division of the Southwest Stakes (G3) has been close to breaking through all season for trainer Allen Milligan. Sunday’s work was further evidence in his mind the son of 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo deserves a chance in the marquee event of the Oaklawn season.

“He’s always overcome everything and he’s always running at the end,” said Milligan, who is in contention for leading trainer this season. Jake Mo breezed five furlongs in 1:00 under Martin Escobar in a move described as “perfect” and “super.” Regular jockey Cliff Berry took the holiday off but will be back aboard Saturday.

Jake Mo’s biggest win came last summer in the Prairie Gold Juvenile in Iowa, but he’s quietly had a presence at major events since then despite losing six straight. The record has Milligan realistic about his charge, but excited about what a big effort Saturday could portend.

“He’s always seemed just a notch below a really good horse,” he said. “But I like the fact that he’s always trying. He’s found a way to get through traffic. He keeps coming.”