Whitmore 'ready for action' in search of Count Fleet Sprint triple
As Whitmore aims for his third Count Fleet Sprint (G3) victory in four tries on Saturday at Oaklawn Park, trainer Ron Moquett said the veteran sprinter is "sitting in a good spot."
The 7-year-old gelded son of Pleasantly Perfect exits his fourth consecutive victory in the local, six furlong Hot Springs Stakes -- something no other horse has accomplished.
"I was very proud of the last race because of the historical impact," Moquett said. "To win that
race four years in a row is pretty cool.”
Next, Whitmore will look to become the only three-time Count Fleet winner going the same six-furlong distance. After annexing the race in 2017 and 2018, he lost to eventual champion Mitole in last year's matchup.
The 2020 Count Fleet marks third start this season for Whitmore, who also ran second by 1 1/2 lengths in the the King Cotton Stakes at Oaklawn in February. On Saturday, he'll face an above-average field with opponents such as Flagstaff, Bobby's Wicked One and Hidden Scroll shipping in absent spots to run at their home bases due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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“We’re ready for action," Moquett said. "We know it’s a good group of horses. With the limited opportunities for everyone else, we knew that we’d be getting a condensed, talented, rich field. And they didn’t disappoint.
"There’s horses from everywhere that are good, proven horses.”
Whitmore, owned by Robert LaPenta, Southern Springs Stables and Head of Plains Partners, shows career record of 33: 13-10-3 and earnings of $2.9 million.
He drew the No. 9 post position for the Count Fleet and will be ridden by Joseph Talamo, who also was aboard for the Hot Springs win.
The Count Fleet Sprint is the eighth race at Oaklawn on Saturday with a 6:14 p.m. ET post time.