Weekend Feature: Fountain of Youth Stakes
February 23, 2008
#1 Cool Coal Man- One of Nick Zito’s many runners here. The Mineshaft colt fired a bullet 47 1/5 H 4 furlong work on February 15. Anak Nakal bested him by 8 lengths two races back. I don’t see much changing this time around. We might see this one around later in the season but right now I don’t think he is good enough. I would try and stay away from this one if I were you.
#2 Golden Spikes- This Seeking the Gold colt was defeated by Cool Coal Man last time out in an allowance event. He was fourth two races back in the Hutcheson after running three wide. Last time out was his first try at a route event so I see more room for improvement for this colt than Cool Coal Man. I’m not the biggest fan of Javier “I’ll go four wide the whole way and hope I’m much the best” Castellano. I would use him on the bottom part of my exotics, but I don’t see him getting a piece in this one.
#3 Court Vision- Quite a layoff for this colt who hasn’t raced since November 24, when he captured the Remsen. In that race he uncorked a vicious run after trouble finding running room in the stretch. He made a similar stretch winning move in the Iroquois. The only thing that worries me for Court Vision is the pace scenario. Will he, and the many other stalker/closer types in this race get anything to run at?
#4 Kentucky Bear- Elvis Trujillo and Reade Baker will hook up for this race. Their Mr. Greeley colt broke his maiden very impressively first time out, capturing the one mile event in 1:36 4/5 over this same Gulfstream course. He earned a 93 beyer for that race. His inexperience worries me, but I think he is a possible winner in this race. I’m going to go out on a limb for this colt. Look out, he is for real.
#5 Z Humor- Bill Mott is bringing this one back on eight days rest. I’m no expert here, but I have to question that move. Garret Gomez hopping off for Court Vision is definitely a negative sign to me. While this is a good colt he has many things working against him today. I wouldn’t bet him, and I advise you to stay away as well. Look for him next time out as he will most likely be 100% and ready to fire.
#6 Ready Set- Michael Matz’s colt was fourth last time out after an attempt to stalk the pace against Cool Coal Man and Golden Spikes. He appears to be a cut below this field as far as talent goes. I advise throwing him out altogether.
#7 Monba- Many people were very impressed by this colt last time out in the CashCall Futurity. He unleashed a vicious acceleration late in the race after escaping trouble in the lane to wind up fourth. I bet him to win in that race, so I obviously liked him. I’ve heard him hailed as a deep closer but I think the Easy Goer on his dam’s side means he has more tactical speed than people think. I love his second race in which he won an allowance event at Churchill Downs. He captured the one mile contest in 1:35 2/5 after going five wide. I like him back on the traditional dirt surface, look out for Monba.
#8 Anak Nakal- Nick Zito’s second entry in this race won the Kentucky Jockey Club last time out. He beat Blackberry Road and Racecar Rhapsody in that race, both whom are very good colts. Julien Leparoux will retain the mount. I’m not sure what happened two races back in the Nashua. He allowed Etched to escape by 6 lengths. Perhaps Etched is just that good? Any how I think this colt has the potential to be top contender come Kentucky Derby day but I don’t like him to win today.
#9 Elysium Fields- This El Prado colt broke his maiden last out, scoring by eight lengths at todays distance. That race was first time blinkers for him, so they really did the trick. He has been firing up the track since that race. I have to believe Barclay Tagg wouldn’t have this colt in here if he didn’t believe he could win. Elysium Fields is another wildcard today.
#10 Make the Point- Kiaran McLaughlin’s trainee will make his first attempt at a route race. After Kodiak Kowboy put him in his place the connections gave him some time off and it seems to have paid off. He scored an impressive allowance win off a five month layoff. In a race without much speed I like his chances to spring an upset.
#11 Adriano- This colt has only started on dirt once and it was a polytrack surface, therefore this will technically be his first start over a dirt course. I love his last race in which he man handled the competition to score by six lengths. The time was an impressive 1:39 3/5 for the 1 1/16 distance over the Gulfstream turf course. Due to his lack of dirt experience he is another wild card in todays race. He could get it done, but I don’t think he has enough early speed for today’s race.
1st- Monba (4-1)
2nd- Court Vision (3-1)
3rd- Kentucky Bear (10-1)
2/23 (SAT) G1 $350K Gulfstream Park Turf Stakes (Gulfstream) 4up, 11f T
1st- Einstein (6-1)
2nd- Shamdinan (4-1)
3rd- Zann (6-1)
2/23 (SAT) G2 $150K San Luis Obispo Handicap (Santa Anita) 4up, 12f T
1st- On The Acorn (7-2)
2nd- Rocket Legs (6-1)
3rd- Obrigado (6-1)