By Brian DiDonato
Whitmore (Pleasantly Perfect), third in the GI Arkansas Derby 12 months ago, looks to increase his record to six-for-six in sprints in Saturday's $400,000 GIII Count Fleet H. at Oaklawn. If the Ron Moquett pupil shows up with anything close to what he has in his last two, the race will likely be for second. He defeated re-opposing Apprehender (Posse) by daylight here Jan. 15, and earned a career-best 104 Beyer Speed Figure when airing by six lengths in the Hot Springs S. Mar. 11, defeating four graded stakes winners in the process. Fourth that day was Holy Boss (Street Boss), who is dangerous on his best if able to avoid a pace meltdown. The 'TDN Rising Star' showed up in some tough spots last year, with his most noteworthy finish a runner-up effort behind A. P. Indian (Indian Charlie) in Saratoga's GI Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. in July. He returned to winning ways with a resounding 5 3/4-length romp in the muddy Duncan F. Kenner S. at Fair Grounds Jan. 21. California speed is always dangerous, and lightly raced 5-year-old Moe Candy (Candy Ride {Arg}) possesses just that. He capped a three-race winning skein in a Santa Anita optional claimer Jan. 8, and proved second-best to G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen competitor St. Joe Bay (Saint Anddan) in Santa Anita's Palos Verdes S. Feb. 4.
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