Expert picks: Fountain of Youth Stakes 2019 predictions, longshots
RELATED: Free Fountain of Youth past performances
It's a handicapping puzzle of the likes you only see this time of year, and we asked our Horse Racing Nation contributors to solve it. Ahead of post time for the 13th of 14 races at Gulfstream Park, at 5:32 p.m. ET, check out our Fountain of Youth picks:
Bryan Brinkmeyer, The Kentucky Derby Post
Winner: #7 Hidden Scroll
On the board: #5 Vekoma, #1 Code of Honor
Longshot I like: #4 Bourbon War
Analysis: I’m really looking forward to this race, seeing as the winner earns 50 points and qualifies for the Derby. So many good contenders, but I’m picking Hidden Scroll to out-duel Vekoma down the stretch. One horse that is must-play for me in the trifecta is Bourbon War, the son of Tapit who posted solid speed figures at Gulfstream in his recent allowance win.
Candice Curtis (@skipaway2000)
Winner: #1 Code of Honor
On the board: #4 Bourbon War, #5 Vekoma
Longshot I like: #9 Everfast
Analysis: Will Hidden Scroll run back to his smashing maiden win on Pegasus World Cup Day? This handicapper says no, and here's how I will play the race:
• Code of Honor/Bourbon War on top
• Vekoma/Signalman in second and third
• Everfast/Hidden Scroll in third and fourth
I don't see quite the pace meltdown as in the Holy Bull, but it will be enough for the mid-pack horses to excel here. Code of Honor needed the race in his last start. Bourbon War has top rider in Florida. I can't trust Signalman and Vekoma making their first starts since November, but yes, they can hit the board. Everfast has improved with each race since his flop in the slop at Churchill Downs, and I see him hitting the board here as well. If the pace is sizzling, he could win the whole thing at a huge price after just missing in the Holy Bull.
Jarrod Horak, Pick 6 Blog
Winner: #4 Bourbon War
On the board: #8 Global Campaign, #6 Signalman
Longshot I like: #1 Code of Honor
Analysis: Bourbon War gets pace to chase and exits a sharp optional claiming victory at this course/distance. Global Campaign pressed the pace and kicked well clear in both of his local starts. Signalman ran well in all five starts last year, including a trio of Top 3 finishes in Kentucky Derby points races. He is hoping for contested early fractions and might be able to land a share. Code of Honor drew well and deserves another chance after a flat fourth in the Mucho Macho Man. I'll also include in my trifecta Hidden Scroll, who looms a pace factor at the very least, and Vekoma, who won both his starts last year. He shows six works for this and figures to stalk the pace. The plays: #4 to win & #8 to win; trifecta 1-4-5-7-8/1-4-5-7-8/6.
Casey Laughter, The Tattooed Tracksider
Winner: #1 Code of Honor
On the board: #8 Global Campaign, #7 Hidden Scroll
Longshot I like: #5 Vekoma
Analysis: Code of Honor's recent work was visually impressive and showed that he is maturing into a fierce competitor. He will need to break well to have any chance in this race. Given Gulfstream favors speed, however, I would not be surprised to see any of Global Campaign, Hidden Scroll or Vekoma take this race. Bourbon War deserves mention as a solid closer, but only so many can go on top of the tickets.
Reinier Macatangay, Setting the Pace
Winner: #7 Hidden Scroll
On the board: #5 Vekoma, #4 Bourbon War
Longshot I like: #2 Epic Dreamer
Analysis: Hidden Scroll ties for the best speed figure and owns the right pedigree for running two turns. As for handling fast dirt, he looks good enough in the mornings to say the form will translate over. If an upset happens, though, then Vekoma is the logical choice based on his comparable speed figures and tactical running style.