Derby Trail Forums - 2/24 (GP): 62nd Fountain of Youth (Gr. II)

GP 9TH (5:15): Fountain of Youth S. (G2)

Thunderstorms threaten traditional Florida Derby lead-up that seeks to answer several questions about Derby hopefuls returning to action or trying something new..

1. Cool Coal Man (Desormeaux/Zito) 118 (6-1): LaPenta Mineshaft bay may be forgotten horse in Zito sophomore string; 9f N2X win last still shy of best performance which came in Nov. N1X score, but bay may be moving forward yet; Acid test in 2nd GS try..

2. Golden Spikes (Castellano/Wolfson) 116 (12-1): Wolfson's Seeking the Gold bay from A.P. Indy mare a length behind Coal Man last time, but is certainly is made for 9f and beyond and best may still be ahead; Offers better value than one to his left for those that are inclined to support..

3. Court Vision (Gomez/Mott) 122 (3-1): Mott selects demanding spot for 3yo debut of multiple GSW Gulch colt; Has worked slowly towards return, and had better be on toes to catch a few ere that have caught up and passed him on form and aptitude; Big underlay and a total bet-against..

4. Kentucky Bear (Trujillo/Baker) 116 (10-1): Smashing debut of undersold Mr. Greeley chestnut lends confidence to Reade Baker that cot can compete at top level; Had option of ALW run Friday, and repeat of MDN mile effort on stretchout makes a win candidate at square tote; Highly plausible..

5. Z Humor (Velasquez/Mott) 120 (8-1): Ahmed Zayat clearly helming this ridiculous runback from Mott's DistHumor bay that left Sam Davis race in the paddock; Even a good try will leave him hard-pressed to move forward; Sad decision with colt that can do Derby on earnings..

6. Ready Set (Lezcano/Matz) 116 (20-1): Interesting placement by Matz-Lael with Touch Gold ALW winner that may be OK; Has bested ordinary ones in wins and been well beaten in tries versus more accomplished; Class test..

7. Monba (Prado/Pletcher) 116 (4-1): Maria's Mon grey from familiar connections makes 3yo bow off solid if unspectacular juvy campaign; Came running late in Cash Call and well suited for 9f undertaking but needs a boost of speed to get them all here..

8. Anak Nakal (Leparoux/Zito) 120 (6-1): Fastok colt well regarded by Zito and season-ending KY JC win over Blackberry Road bodes well for sophomore aspirations; Beaten only by Etched, stalking style suits race flow well and expect big kickoff to Classic campaign here..

9. Elysium Fields (Coa/Tagg) 116 (15-1): Tagg El Prado bay broke through after three MSW tries when given 9f to work with and addition of blinkers; Like Anak Nakal, can attend what should be solid pace and get first run; Intriguing option at nice tote..

10. Halo Najib (Douglas/Romans) 120 (12-1): Like Z Humor, thrust back after minimal rest, though this Halo's Image red had righted ship at Ocala in Sales Championship victory; Loses Desormeaux to Cool Coal Man and had been intended for Lane's End before anxious owner forced Romans' hand..

11. Make the Point (Velazquez/McLaughlin) 116 (12-1): Menifee rig is speed in this affair and can take them a long way in first test around two turns; McLaughlin wondering about distance, but female family class-laden and will be no surprise to see this bay carrying them to the wire; Using..

12. Adriano (Castro/Motion) 116 (20-1): Motion turf type tries real main for first time from nearly impossible post after crushing ALW foes on GP lawn 6 weeks ago; Is bred for dirt and distance, but will need everything to go his way for top level finish here..

SELECTIONS:

1. Anak Nakal
2. Kentucky Bear
3. Elysium Fields
4. Make the Point