Promises Fulfilled, Whitmore breeze toward Breeders' Cup prep

Dense fog set in at Churchill Downs early Friday morning, which made it nearly impossible for clockers and horseman to watch training. Nevertheless, Forego Stakes (G1) winner Whitmore and H. Allen Jerkens (G1) hero Promises Fulfilled breezed prior to facing off Friday in Keeneland's Grade 2 Phoenix Stakes, a “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

Whitmore, the speedy son of Pleasantly Perfect, trained when the track opened at 5:30 a.m. for trainer Ron Moquett, who also co-owns the 5-year-old gelding with Robert LaPenta and Head of Plains Partners.

“He’s really happy and doing well,” Moquett said. “We’re still not sure what Breeders’ Cup race we’ll enter but I’m sure we could have a better idea after this weekend.”

Whitmore (22-11-5-2—$1,991,000) is possible for both the Breeders’ Cup Sprint and Dirt Mile (GI).

Nearly three hours after Whitmore exited the track, Robert Baron’s Promises Fulfilled trained for Churchill Downs’ all-time leading trainer Dale Romans. The 3-year-old colt by Shackleford will be seeking his third-consecutive victory in the Phoenix following victories in the Amsterdam (G3) and Allen Jerkens at Saratoga.

“All I know is he went fast,” Romans said. “I couldn’t see much of the work but he galloped out well. I’m not sure if we’ll go in the (Breeders’ Cup) Sprint or Dirt Mile. We’ll weigh our options.”