Three projected starters for the $350,000 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (G3) for older horses April 18 recorded works over a fast track Saturday morning, including two-time champion Whitmore for co-owner/trainer Ron Moquett of Hot Springs.
Whitmore, who breezed with stablemate Eisenstaedt, covered a half-mile in :49.60 and galloped out 5 furlongs in 1:02.60. Whitmore is a six-time Oaklawn stakes winner, including consecutive runnings of the 6-furlong Count Fleet (2017 and 2018). The millionaire Grade 1 winner also finished second in last year’s race.
Bobby’s Wicked One breezed 3 furlongs in :36.20 for trainer Al Stall. Clockers caught the multiple stakes winner galloping out a half-mile in :48.80.
Breezing immediately after the surface renovation break was multiple stakes winner Mr. Jagermeister for co-owner/trainer Valorie Lund. Under two-time Oaklawn riding champion Terry Thompson, Mr. Jagermeister went 5 furlongs in 1:01 and galloped out three-quarters in 1:13.80.
“He worked awesome,” Lund said.
Mr. Jagermeister exits a runner-up finish behind Whitmore in the $150,000 Hot Springs Stakes March 7, the final major local prep for the Count Fleet. Mr. Jagermeister has started two other times at Oaklawn, finishing second in the $150,000 Bachelor Stakes for 3-year-olds in 2018 and winning an allowance race last April.
“This is going to be the first time he’s had a race over the surface,” Lund said. “This is now home for him. He’s trained over the surface. It’s got to add, at least, several lengths to him.”
The Count Fleet closed April 9 with 30 nominations. Post positions will be drawn Wednesday.
Oaklawn Press Release
Photo: Joseph Talamo guides Whitmore across the wire to win the Hot Springs Stakes at Oaklawn March 8, 2020.
Credit: The Sentinel-Record/Richard Rasmussen
