Booth Goes Gate-to-Wire in Whitmore Stakes (G3) for First Graded Win
Oaklawn Park, March 15 – Booth, a 4-year-old son of Mitole, delivered a commanding performance in the $250,000 Whitmore Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park, leading from start to finish under jockey Erik Asmussen. The 2 1/4-length victory marked Asmussen’s first career graded stakes win and continued Booth’s impressive sprinting form.
Breaking alertly, Booth set fractions of :22.13, :45.18, and :57.27 before stopping the clock at 1:09.79 for six furlongs on a fast track. He comfortably held off Giant Mischief, who finished second, while Tejano Twist closed late for third.
Owned by L. William & Corinne Heiligbrodt, Jackpot Farm (Terry Green), and Whispering Oaks Farm LLC (Carrol Castille), Booth is trained by Steve Asmussen, who secured his second consecutive Whitmore Stakes victory after winning in 2024 with Jaxon Traveler.
Booth paid $7.00 as the slight favorite.
Pedigree & Sale History
- Sire: Mitole (Spendthrift Farm, $10,000 stud fee in 2025)
- Dam: Sophia’s Song (by Bellamy Road)
- Breeder: Clearsky Farms (KY)
- Sales History:
- Purchased for $225,000 at the OBSMAR 2023 Sale (Consignor: Wavertree Stables; Buyer: Bill & Corinne Heiligbrodt, Jackpot Farm)
- Previously sold for $120,000 at the KEESEP 2022 Sale (Consignor: Taylor Made Sales Agency; Buyer: Super Fine Farms)
Trainer & Jockey Quotes
“He ran huge,” said Erik Asmussen, crediting his father, Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, for preparing Booth for success. “It’s truly a blessing to get it done for Mr. Heiligbrodt and Mr. Green, who have supported me since the start of my career.”
Steve Asmussen compared Booth’s progression to that of his sire, Mitole, who became a champion sprinter at age four. “It’s his 4-year-old year, which was when Mitole became Mitole. Those are two really impressive races against some very nice sprinters,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Booth’s back-to-back stakes victories solidify his status as a rising star in the sprint division. Connections will now look to target higher-level graded stakes as the season progresses
