Todd Pletcher, looking to explain previously undefeated Uncle Mo’s disappointing third-place finish in last Saturday’s Wood Memorial at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York, said Thursday that post-race blood tests point to a gastrointestinal infection.

According to a statement released by Pletcher, treatment for the infection began immediately and veterinarians cleared the former Kentucky Derby favorite to continue preparations for the opening leg of the Triple Crown.

The 2-year-old champion, who had been dominant in sweeping his first four starts, is still scheduled to ship to Churchill Downs on Monday. He is expected to have two workouts there to determine his readiness for the 1¼mile classic.

Interestingly, owner Mike Repole already mentioned the Preakness as a possibility for Uncle Mo’s next start. “Though it has been a lifelong dream to run (in) and win the Kentucky Derby, if Uncle Mo is not 100%, we will skip the Derby and go right to the Preakness,” Repole said