In a thrilling display of speed and heritage, the young thoroughbred Booth is set to compete in the prestigious six-furlong Count Fleet Sprint Handicap at Oaklawn. Six years after his sire Mitole triumphed in this Grade 3 event, Booth aims to emulate his father's success. Under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, Booth has already demonstrated remarkable potential by securing two consecutive stakes victories during the Oaklawn meeting. This race not only highlights the lineage of champion sprinters but also showcases the legacy left by Mitole, who was crowned North America's champion male sprinter in 2019.
The journey of Booth began with an impressive debut victory last October at Keeneland, where he showcased his talent by defeating Nash, a promising Kentucky Derby contender. However, it wasn't until his recent performances in the Commodore Overnight and Whitmore (G3) that Booth truly burst onto the scene. In these races, he displayed front-running prowess, setting scorching early fractions before cruising to victory. These accomplishments have positioned him as the 3-5 favorite in Saturday's seven-horse field for the Count Fleet.
Mitole's legacy extends beyond his own achievements on the track. After retiring from racing, he embarked on a successful stud career, beginning in 2020 at Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky. The Heiligbrodt family, who originally owned Mitole, retained breeding rights and continued supporting him through public auctions. Their foresight led to securing Booth at the 2023 OBS March sale of 2-year-olds in training for $225,000, alongside partners Jackpot Farm and Whispering Oaks Farm.
Booth's breakthrough performance in the Commodore Overnight marked a significant milestone for both horse and connections. Under jockey Erik Asmussen, the current champion apprentice in North America, Booth exhibited explosive speed, clocking blistering times for the first quarter and half-mile. His final time of 1:08.64 earned him a 105 Beyer Speed Figure, drawing comparisons to Mitole's own debut stakes victory at Oaklawn in 2018.
As anticipation builds for Saturday's race, all eyes will be on Booth as he breaks from post 3 carrying top weight of 123 pounds. Joining him in the field are formidable competitors such as Tejano Twist, a millionaire multiple Oaklawn stakes winner, and Anarchist, a Grade 2 victor trained by Doug O'Neill. With a perfect blend of speed, pedigree, and preparation, Booth appears poised to continue the illustrious legacy established by his legendary sire.
William Heiligbrodt, one of the most successful owners in Oaklawn history, expressed his excitement about Booth's potential. Recalling Mitole's victory in the 2019 Count Fleet, Heiligbrodt donned his cherished blue sports coat and brought along mementos from that historic day. His confidence in Booth reflects the high hopes placed upon this promising colt, whose style mirrors that of his accomplished father.
This weekend's Count Fleet Sprint Handicap promises to deliver an exhilarating contest filled with speed and drama. Whether Booth can replicate Mitole's triumph remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his performance will undoubtedly add another chapter to the storied lineage of champion sprinters at Oaklawn.