Expert Picks: 2022 Fountain of Youth Stakes
The Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park is set to offer its top four finishers Kentucky Derby points in 50-20-10-5 payouts. Here is how Horse Racing Nation’s staff and contributors are playing the race.
Sara Elbadwi
Winner: #13 Galt
On the board: #2 Simplification
Long shot I like: #9 High Oak
Analysis: 13-Galt draws in and showed improvement in the Holy Bull last out. Perhaps he's putting it all together for a big effort to go with his big pedigree. 2-Simplification will be dangerous if he breaks well this time, and 9-High Oak off the layoff will be a contender if he's ready to go.
Chase Sessoms, Wolf of Oaklawn
Winner: #3 Howling Time
On the board: #6 Rattle N Roll, #8 Emmanuel
Long shot I like: #3 Howling Time
Analysis: Howling Time was a very early scratch from the Sam F. Davis and I think it's because they wanted to try deeper waters after seeing recent works. Should stay close to the pace and maybe flash a middle move to strike late at a huge price. Will have plenty of pace to chase down.
Jarrod Horak, Best Bets
Winner: #8 Emmanuel
On the board: #4 In Due Time
Long shot I like: #7 A. P.'s Secret
Analysis: Emmanuel has lots of upside after back-to-back facile scores to begin his career. This is not the deepest renewal of this event and he might be the goods for Pletcher. In Due Time drew a favorable post and has tactical speed. A. P.'s Secret is improving, and I would like to get Howling Time into the trifecta. #8 to win, Trifecta Key 8/2-3-4-7, Trifecta 2-4-7-8/2-4-6-7-8-13/3
Ed DeRosa
Winner: #4 In Due Time
On the board: #2 Simplification
Long shot I like: #6 Rattle N Roll
Analysis: In Due Time makes his two-turn debut and based on his tactical speed, like his chances to take control of this race early--especially after Simplification was so far back last time.
Reinier Mactangay, Setting the Pace
Winner: #2 Simplification
On the board: #8 Emmanuel
Long shot I like: #3 Howling Time
Analysis: If Simplification can break better this time, then he can return to his winning Mucho Macho Man Stakes form with his speed. Emmanuel broke his maiden locally before winning an optional claiming race at Tampa Bay Downs by 4 1/2 lengths in late January in an effortless manner. For a more exciting choice though, consider Howling Time at double-digit odds. He had shown promise last year by breaking his maiden at Churchill Downs and winning the Street Sense Stakes before his disappointing fifth-place finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club.
Win/place: 3 (at 10-1 or higher)
Ron Flatter
Winner: #6 Rattle N Roll
On the board: #8 Emmanuel
Long shot I like: #5 Dean Delivers
Analysis: There is a lot of speed in this race, and it could – could – lead to suicidal fractions. It hardly would be precedent-setting in this race. Rattle N Roll seems ideally suited to combine quality and a mid-pack style that would benefit from all the early pace. Emmanuel is too good not to hit the board. Dean Delivers seems to have second-itis. In this field, maybe that translates to stalking the early lead and finishing third.
Victor Ryan
Winner: #4 In Due Time
On the board: #2 Simplification, #6 Rattle N Roll
Long shot I like: #7 A. P.'s Secret
Analysis: In Due Time looked like a serious colt last out when pressing the pace and drawing off to win a first-level allowance going one-turn mile at Gulfstream. While this will be his stakes and two-turn debut, I'm wagering that he's the goods.
Win: 4
Ex. key box: 4 with 2,6
Candice Curtis
Winner: #8 Emmanuel
On the board: #4 In Due Time
Long shot I like: #1 Markhamian
Analysis: #8 Emmanuel is going to be hard to beat for Todd Pletcher and Luis Saez. #In Due Time should get a clear, pressing trip and could be a value play. #1 Markhamian's speed on the rail could be dangerous for a long shot play.