Huracan Americo prepares for start in Fountain of Youth

Huracan Americo, a Group 1 winner in Peru, schooled in the Gulfstream Park paddock and walking ring during Wednesday’s fifth race in preparation for a planned start in the $400,000 Fountain of Youth (G2) March 4.

The Florida-bred 3-year-old colt, who debuted with a fourth-place finish in a maiden event at Hipodromo De Monterrico Sept. 25, captured the Derby Nacional (G1) in his second lifetime start Nov. 6.

Huracan Americo, trained by Arturo Bruno Morales Cavieres in Peru, arrived at Gulfstream Park Jan. 29. Trainer Dante Zanelli Jr., who saddled Peruvian multiple Group 1 stakes winner Tomcito for a third-place finish behind Big Brown in the 2008 Florida Derby (G1), is overseeing the colt’s day-to-day preparation for the Fountain of Youth.

“They are totally different horses. Tomcito was a very heavy horse and hard to train. We had to go really hard on him to get him fit. This guy does everything right. He’s so light; he’s so easy going,” Zanelli said. “This guy carries himself well. We’re very excited. We’re looking forward to the big showdown.”

The son of Drosselmeyer, who was purchased by Dona Licha for $14,000 at the 2015 Keeneland October Sale, breezed for the first time Feb. 9, timed in 1:02.69 for five furlongs.

“He went easy and went a quarter. The trainer from Peru came to see him. We’re working together to make sure he’s training properly with his training methods,” said Zanelli, who reported that Huracan Americo is scheduled to breeze seven furlongs Saturday.