Trainer Notes: Ron Moquett on Whitmore

Trainer Notes: Ron Moquett on Kentucky Derby Contender Whitmore

Q: Describe Whitmore’s temperament:
A: He’s smart and he’s very much his own man. He’ll let you do what you need to do, but other than that he’s pretty much in charge.

Q: What’s he like to handle in the paddock?
A: He’s professional but he’s always imposing. He’s easy-going but you don’t want to make him mad.

Q: Can you share your thoughts about his running style?
A: Whitmore is versatile. I think he wants to stalk a little bit. He can come from behind well but he’s not actually a come from a behind horse like we’ve seen in the last couple races. He’d prefer to stalk and not have to make up that much ground just to hit the board.

Q: Tell us your perspective on his last race?
A: His last race was an adventure you might say. He didn’t, but luckily he didn’t fall down in the first turn. Cupid came over on him and they clipped heels. It cost us the position we wanted which was about three to five lengths off the lead. We just had everything come down on us. The difference between the first and the third place finisher was one had a better trip and the other was Whitmore. The winner never had to make a big move and could take the rail. We didn’t. We had to go extremely wide and didn’t have anything go our way.

Q: How did he come out of the Arkansas Derby?
A: He came out very well and with no problems.

Q: What do you think about going a mile and 1/4 in the Kentucky Derby?
A: We have gone very wide in our last few races, so if you use physics, we’ve already gone about that distance. Hopefully we won’t hit so much trouble this time. His daddy, Pleasantly Perfect, won the Breeders’ Cup Classic and the Dubai World Cup – both are a mile and a quarter so he should be able to do it.

Q: How is he training?
A: Very well, he’s happy and he’s right where he needs to be.