Fountain of Youth Stakes Picks, Odds & Preview (Feb 28)

One of the most informative races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is set for Gulfstream Park on Feb 28, as the G2 Fountain of Youth Stakes headlines the card. This race has produced 15 winners of the Derby, and a strong renewal is set for Florida on Saturday. Find the odds and our picks here.

Fountain of Youth Stakes: How to Watch

• When: Saturday, February 28, 2026 @ 6:11 PM ET
• Where: Gulfstream Park, Florida
• How to Watch: FanDuel TV

Fountain of Youth Stakes Odds

Horse	Odds
Commandment	+300
Napoleon Solo	+333
Solitude Dude	+350
Chief Wallabee	+450
Bravaro	+900
Jackson Hole	+1000
Rockies Balboa	+1000
Other Selections	+4000 & Bigger

Race Information & Records

Stat	Information
Race Distance	1 1/16 Miles
Purse	$400,000
Most Successful Trainer	Todd Pletcher (4)
Most Successful Jockey	John Velazquez (5)
Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points	50-25-15-10-5

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Fountain of Youth Stakes: Recent Winners

Year	Horse	Jockey	Trainer
2025	Sovereignty	Junior Alvarado	William Mott
2024	Dornoch	Luis Saez	Danny Gargan
2023	Forte	Irad Ortiz	Todd Pletcher
2022	Simplification	Jose Ortiz	Antonio Sano

Race Preview

Each of the last two winners of the Fountain of Youth Stakes have won at least one leg of the Triple Crown, while 2023 Forte was the pre-race Kentucky Derby favorite before being scratched. Therefore, this weekend’s race could be hugely important in finding the leading contender for Churchill Downs in 2026.

Commandment looks to be one of Brad Cox’s leading chances this year, and he was impressive on his first start this season at Gulfstream when landing the Mucho Macho Man Stakes, scoring an Equibase rating of 93 in the process. Progressing nicely, and Irad Ortiz is booked aboard.

However, it could be argued that Napoleon Solo may be favorite if the colt was trained by a leading trainer. The three-year-old was one of the eye-catching juveniles in 2025, landing an impressive maiden, before scoring in the G1 Champagne Stakes with a rating of 99.

Solitude Dude looks like the pick of Saffie Joseph’s three runners in the Fountain of Youth. The three-year-old has already won twice at Gulfstream Park, which includes an eye-catching success in the Swale Stakes at the end of January. That form looks very strong on paper, and he could go off favorite on Saturday.

Last year’s winning connections, Junior Alvarado and William Mott, will team up with Chief Wallabee on Saturday. The three-year-old was faultless on debut at Gulfstream last month, setting an eye-catching 91 rating. Bred to excel over further, and should be respected for a leading trainer at this meet.

Fountain of Youth Stakes Picks

A high-quality renewal of the Fountain of Youth Stakes is set for Saturday. Chief Wallabee looks like an improving sort for Exotics, while Napoleon Solo looks smart based on his juvenile form.

However, Bravaro could be one worth chancing at a bigger price. The colt was an excellent winner of the Sleepy Hollow Stakes, before failing to get the ideal trip when second in the G2 Holy Bull. Track experience could play in his favor, and another top-three finish can’t be ruled out.

Free Pick:

• Trifecta Box: Chief Wallabee/Bravaro/Napoleon Solo