Horse Racing Picks: Fountain of Youth Stakes Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Mar 2)

• Key Kentucky Derby prep action is staged at Gulfstream Park this weekend
• Todd Pletcher has two leading chances in the Grade 2 in Florida

One of the key prep races for the Kentucky Derby is staged this weekend, as the Fountain of Youth Stakes is the headline on a busy card at Gulfstream Park. This Grade Two has been won by five previous Derby winners, meaning Classic clues will be on offer in Florida this weekend.

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Schedule and How To Watch

• When: Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 6:10 PM ET
• Where: Gulfstream Park, Florida
• How To Watch: FanDuel TV

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Fountain of Youth Stakes Odds

Horse	Odds
Locked	+200
Speak Easy	+275
Dornoch	+300
Victory Avenue	+600
Real Macho	+1600
Frankie’s Empire	+1600
Merit	+2800
Dancing Groom	+5000
Le Dom Bro	+6600

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Race Preview

The Fountain of Youth Stakes is staged this weekend at Gulfstream Park, with the field of horses aged three competing over 1 1/16 miles. The first four runners will be awarded points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. It was a pivotal race in terms of the betting last year, with Forte landing victory before failing to line up at Churchill Downs. But, 2023 Derby winner Mage did compete in the race, finishing fourth.

Todd Pletcher holds the record for most wins in this race, and he holds two very solid chances this weekend. Locked was a standout performer as a three-year-old throughout last season, and his third in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile could be the standout piece of form. However, this will be his first start this year after a long layoff.

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The G2 Fountain of Youth Stakes will be run this Saturday at 6:10pm ET at Gulfstream Park! Watch all the action on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/7Z2IAtQMPo

— FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) February 29, 2024

Pletcher is also represented by Speak Easy, who set a stunning speed figure of 114 when winning a maiden special weight over seven furlongs at Gulfstream last month. The step up in trip will bring out improvement in him, as well as Victory Avenue, who was second on that start in Florida.

Dornoch is another key contender to assess this weekend, but his win in the G2 Remsen Stakes was achieved on heavy ground, which is unlikely to be a factor on Saturday. Frankie’s Empire could be a selection at a price worth his chance after impressing to win the Swale Stakes on his latest appearance for trainer Michael Yates.

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Fountain of Youth Stakes Prediction

I’d be very keen to take on Dornoch this weekend based on the fact that his career-best win was achieved on muddy ground. Locked looks a solid angle to finish in the first three, but we could see Victory Avenue being a key betting angle as huge improvement could be likely over this extended trip as a son of Arrogate.

Free Picks:

• Win: Victory Avenue
• Exacta Box: (1) Speak Easy/ (3) Victory Avenue/ (8) Locked