Gulfstream Park - Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2)
By BRIAN POCHMAN
Johannesburg Star: He posted a big Beyer figure in a gate-to-wire romp to break his maiden just two starts ago and he appeared to have the Count Fleet won at the top of the stretch in his most recent start but he wasn't able to put away the rail running Pink Viper; this is a tough assignment for him but a sharp recent workout and a favorable rail post give him some appeal.
Hal's My Hope: This just looks like a very tough spot for this colt to land in after taking advantage of a slow early pace to post a narrow victory at better than 100-1 in his most recent start; it's tough to take a favorable view of this runner vs. the likes of these.
Drums of Thunder: This colt desrves a lot of credit for the fine run he made in the Holy Bull while making his 3-y-o debut and he's a handy colt who has the positional speed to help him negotiate a favorable trip; maybe Nobiz Like Shobiz simply has too much talent for him, but going to respect his chances today based on the effort he gave in the Holy Bull.
Stormello : He's one of two G1 winners in here and if his most recent workout is any indication then he's set to return running for his 3-y-o debut; this quick footed colt has shown some versatility and to this point this colt really hasn't gotten the respect from the wagering public that he probably deserves; So. Cal. shipper certainly adds some appeal to this event.
Nobiz Like Shobiz: This is the name horse in here and he's shown that he isn't at all short on natural ability and his most recent start was a solid effort for his 3-y-o debut; however, he was a bit clumsy through the lane last out and he seemed to have trouble switching leads, so he does still seem to be ironing out part of his game; regardless, his talent alone makes him one to fear.
Meritocracy: One of two in here for the Pletcher barn and this appears to be the lesser of the two, especially with John V. aboard the other one; this is his first foray into the graded stakes ranks and he's going to need the race of his career to get the job done vs. these.
Divine Master: Like Hal's My Hope in here this colt has to be regarded as an outsider looking in as he's yet to run a race that is good enough to suggest that he can compete at this level of competition.
Scat Daddy: This colt has flashed ability from day one and he was sent to post at 3.7-1 in the BC Juvenile before finishing a tiring third behind a couple of today's rivals in the G3 Holy Bull last out; this colt does hold a decision over a less experienced Nobiz Like Shobiz, but would have liked to have seen more from this one through the stretch last out.
Adore the Gold: His only blemish from five starts came in a sub par effort in the G3 Nashua at Aqueduct behind a talented runner in Day Pass and he comes here off a career best effort in the G2 Swale where he earned a strong Beyer speed figure of 102; it's fair to question his effectiveness at today's 1 1/8m distance at this point, but he did stretchout to win a 100K stakes at Delaware in just his 2nd career start, so there's some evidence to suggest that he can handle the task.
I still like Nobizlikeshowbiz despite his last race not being that visibly impressive. He's run around two turns before and exploded in the Nashua, so he might be better today than a few weeks ago. Likely will be 3-5, not much value.
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The Fountain of Youth 3/3 Sat. Gulfstream
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