What to do with Whitmore?

On paper, it’s not hard to make a case for Whitmore in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.  He has nine wins from 13 starts at the distance- more than any other contender.  He’s versatile enough to sit a stalking trip, or close from farther back.  And he’s a Grade 1 winner, albeit at 7 furlongs.  Promises Fulfilled will be one of the favorites in this race, and Whitmore gave him everything he could handle at Keeneland.  And Whitmore beat City of Light sprinting.  There is a lot to like about this guy, and I think 6 furlongs is his best game.  But is he at the same level as some of these?

I think class is the question with Whitmore.  He has the heart.  He has the affinity for the distance.  And he takes his racetrack with him. In the Breeders’ Cup, he should get a pace to close into.  I’d be hard pressed to come up with a good reason to take a stand against him.  I am just wondering if he is at the same level as Roy H and Imperial Hint.  And unless you have good reason to believe either of these two aren’t sitting on a big effort, Whitmore is going to need to run the race of his life to win this.

What about price?  With Promises Fulfilled sure to take money, and with the horrible trip that Limousine Liberal had that was seen by everyone, might we get 10-1 on Whitmore?  Is 8-1 more likely?  He can’t be lower than that I don’t think.  And at 8-1, he might be the one who can add some value to the exotics even if you think the favorites are going to take some beating.  Let’s see where he draws.  For now, I can’t see myself leaving him of my tickets.  Even if he isn’t the most-likely winner.