Handicapper's Corner: 2022 Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2)

 Four stand-outs in Fountain of Youth

By: Robert Marks (@theyreinthegate)

Saturday at 5:40 pm Eastern time is the $400,000 Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes for 3-year-olds on the dirt at 1 1/16 miles. Held at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Florida, this is a Derby Prep Race with points earned to qualify for the 2022 Kentucky Derby. 

 

We have a nice big field to bet, so let's see who we like:

#9 High Oak — This colt makes his 3-year-old debut. He raced three times as a 2-year-old, the last being way back in September in the Hopeful at Saratoga, finishing a disappointing 4th after two impressive wins in his first two starts. This long rest does not scare us as trainer Bill Mott is always very deliberate and careful with his young horses and knows when to enter them. By Gormley, we think the longer distance will suit this horse. He had a bullet workout on 2/28/22 and has the raw speed. At 8-1, we think he outruns his odds.

#8 Emmanuel — This lightly raced colt did not run as a 2-year-old. He is undefeated in two starts. The distance should be no problem as he already has raced in both starts 1 mile or more, including his maiden start at 1 mile on this track where he won handily over a ten-horse field. He has the dirt speed and, on paper, can outrun this field. He will be forwardly placed and should avoid traffic trouble. Watch the odds boards but jump on this horse if he stays anywhere near the 9-2 morning line odds.

#3 Howling Time — Trained by Dale Romans, like High Oak, he is unraced as a 3-year-old. 2 wins out of 3 starts as a 2-year-old and faltered his last start at Churchill in the Kentucky Jockey Club stakes in November. However, he has had three back-to-back-to-back bullet works, all at Gulfstream. At 15-1 odds, this horse can really juice your exotic payout.

#7 A.P.'s Secret — at 20-1, this colt can looks interesting. With two wins out of three starts, he makes his stakes debut and is definitely stepping up in class. But he gets a key jockey change with Tyler Gaffalione getting the mount for the first time. I really like Tyler at 20-1 odds. Look for him to be passing horses late. Also has the pedigree to handle the distance with Tapit and Uncle Mo in the family lineage.

 

Gambling Bankroll $100

We will bet a $2 Trifecta Box on #3,#7,#8, #9 for $48

We will bet a $20 Win/Place on #9; $40

We will bet a $12 Show bet on #7 for $12

 

Good luck, and as always, watch how the horses look in the Paddock and check the odds boards before placing all wagers.