Whitmore Gets Green Light for Southwest

Oaklawn Park allowance winner Whitmore will start in the $500,000 Southwest Stakes (gr. III) Feb. 15 after a good workout in company the morning of Feb. 8 at the Arkansas racetrack.

Trainer Ron Moquett had been leaning toward the 1 1/16-mile Southwest but said he wanted to see the Pleasantly Perfect gelding work once more before finalizing his plans. The trainer gave the green light after Whitmore, in company with two stablemates, including multiple stakes winner Far Right, worked five furlongs in 1:00 3/5 under his wife and assistant, Laura, on a track rated fast.

Harry Rosenblum, who co-owns Whitmore with Robert LaPenta and Southern Springs Stables, said Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith will ride Whitmore for the first time in the Southwest, which headlines the Monday holiday program.

Far Right won last year's Southwest under Smith. His major objective this spring, Moquett said, is the $750,000 Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II) for older horses April 16.

"The work was a maintenance breeze for Far Right and a question-asking breeze for Whitmore," Moquett said. "It was just a typical maintenance deal. (We're) very proud of them. You've got to be excited about the works and, thank goodness, all my horses worked good today."

Moquett requested a five-furlong time from clockers after Whitmore galloped out to the seven-furlong pole. Far Right, nominated to the Feb. 13 Essex Handicap at Oaklawn, was credited with a half-mile in :47 3/5.

Before his sprint victory Jan. 16 at Oaklawn, Whitmore finished fifth in the Delta Jackpot Stakes (gr. III). He broke his maiden in his career debut Nov. 6 at Churchill Downs.