2022 Fountain of Youth Picks, Predictions, Odds

The 148th Kentucky Derby is scheduled to take place on Saturday May 7, 2022 from Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby prep schedule continues to heat up during the months of March and April.

VegasInsider horse racing expert Anthony Stabile will be providing his Free Picks and Finish Predictions for key races throughout the prep season and he's focusing on three races for Saturday Mar. 5, 2022.

Along with breaking down the Fountain of Youth, he's also handicapped the Gotham Stakes and Fountain of Youth for Saturday too.

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH STAKES RESOURCES

• Date: Saturday, March 6, 2022
• Post-Time: 5:42 p.m. ET
• Race: 12
• Distance-Length: Dirt, 1 1/16 Miles
• Qualification: Three-year-olds
• Track: Gulfstream Park
• Location: Hallandale, Florida

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FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH STAKES BETTING ANALYSIS

(Morning-Line Odds)

1) MARKHAMIAN (20-1)

Florida bred has done little wrong in three sprint starts thus far and he draws inside for his first crack at routing. Maybe he’s pushed hard to the top here but he will need to fend off other speed types from the outset and handle added ground while trying his toughest bunch to date.

2) SIMPLIFICATION (5-2)

Runner up in the G3 Holy Bull at this distance last month had some trouble at the start in that one and found himself with a lot of work to do. Expect he’ll be closer to the front today and maybe that serves to move him forward. Gets a switch to a top rider who won this race last year with Greatest Honour and boasts a sharp interim drill. Don’t know that he will offer a lot of value.

3) HOWLING TIME (15-1)

Makes his first start since late fall when he found himself on the lead in the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs and wasn’t able to go on. His prior stakes score which came at today’s trip was very good and he’s certainly working as if he’s ready to return on top of his game for a barn that won this race in 2018 with Promises Fulfilled.

4) IN DUE TIME (6-1)

Earned a big number in beating allowance runners at a flat mile trip here early last month and now he’ll step into the stakes ranks. He’s another who hasn’t skipped a beat in training since and maybe he’ll continue his improvement while tackling a longer route of ground. In his current form he’s one to consider.

5) DEAN DELIVERS (15-1)

Graded stakes placed gelding has been right there at the finish in each of his four sprint starts and now he will attempt a two turn trip. His early foot figures to have him up with pacesetters early but given his pedigree he may not be set to take a needed step forward at this distance.

6) RATTLE N ROLL (8-1)

He was really rolling last fall, taking two straight routes including Keeneland’s G1 Breeders Futurity before injury kept him from competing in the Breeders Cup Juvenile. Encouraging to see this late runner working so sharply for his first start since and if he’s ready to roll he certainly has a right to show improvement, but have to wonder whether he’ll just be a lot better next time with this run under his belt.

7) A.P.’S SECRET (15-1)

New blinkers helped him score at odds on going a bit shorter last time out and now he’ll step up to face stakes runners. Like the rapid morning drills since then, but he’ll need to get faster to threaten these.

8) EMMANUEL (3-1)

Returns to the scene of his first out maiden score after kicking away late to win at a short price going long at Tampa Bay Downs. His barn has won this race three times including in 2015 with Itsaknockout who was also ridden by Luis Saez who is aboard today. Front running style is a concern given the pace complexion in this heat but he’s working well and has a right to keep getting better. He’s a player today.

9) HIGH OAK (8-1)

Exploded on the scene to take the G2 Saratoga Special with a big sweeping move but didn’t show up with the same kick in the G1 Hopeful six months ago before hitting the bench. His rider did win this race in 2016 with Mohaymen. He’s in a barn that does great work with improving young runners and he did win first out so we know he can fire fresh. Still, he has his work cut out for him first time back.

10) GIANT GAME (15-1)

Didn’t have enough late to get to a loose eventual juvenile champion Corniche in the Breeders Cup Juvenile last fall but wasn’t beaten all that much at the finish. His return from three months on the bench following that one was simply awful, though, and several who finished well in front of him in that G3 Holy Bull will return here as well. His interim works are sharp, however, so maybe he simply wasn’t wound that tight for that one. Won’t count him out but he’s got a lot of improving to do off his return to prove a threat.

11) O CAPTAIN (30-1)

Draws towards the outside for his first route spin after finishing a well beaten third in stakes company in his first start since the debut score last summer. Pedigree says more ground will help but he finds himself in tough and a big price here.

12) MO DONEGAL SCRATCHED

EXPECTED TO SCRATCH DUE TO ILLNESS

13) GALT (15-1)

Also eligible runner in expected to draw into this field but he won’t catch any breaks with the starting slot. He’s certainly come to hand since stretched out this winter and though he earned the big last out number on the front end, maybe the return to pace tracking tactics benefits him. Worth a look to get in the exotics mix at a price.

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH STAKES BEST BETS

IF I’M RIGHT…

8 – EMMANUEL is able to settle just off the pace early, take over turning for home and hold off the closers while running his record to a perfect 3 for 3. 3- HOWLING TIME returns running and gets up for second money while 6 – RATTLE N ROLL and 13 – GALT fight to fill out the exotics.